Whenever I go to the farmer's market, I always shop in season. Since green beans are one of my favorite vegetables, I know the best green beans are at the market from May to late October. During my shopping trip today I found beautiful green beans, so of course, I bought a ton of them before they disappear. One of my favorite ways to cook green beans is my Asian green bean recipe. Simple, yet delicious, Asian green beans take minutes to prepare.
Even though my Asian green bean recipe is generally a side dish, tonight I decided to make it the center of a tofu noodle bowl. Regardless if you enjoy Asian green beans as a side dish or eat them as a main dish, you won't be disappointed by the intense flavors.
As usual, it's all about the sauce, which makes the Asian green bean recipe a keeper.
WHAT'S IN THE SAUCE FOR ASIAN GREEN BEANS
- Hoison sauce
- Soy sauce or Tamari (gluten-free option)
- Fresh ginger
- Red chili flakes
- Water
In fact, the sauce is so yummy, I made a double batch and marinated my tofu overnight to compliment the green beans. For tonight's dinner, I plan to use rice noodles as in my Asian green bean recipe bowl as well. But, feel free to use brown rice instead if you prefer.
HOW TO COOK GREEN BEANS QUICKLY FOR ASIAN GREEN BEAN RECIPE
In order to cook Asian green beans quickly, I use my wok on medium-high heat. 🔥When using a wok, be sure to heat the pan before adding the green beans. As a result, the beans cook quickly and evenly when tossed in the wok. Again, oil is not necessary. Instead, use the sauce once the beans begin to cook.
WAYS TO SERVE ASIAN GREEN BEANS
- Side dish
- In a bowl with tofu and rice noodles (This is what I chose today)
- Toss with other Asian vegetables and serve on brown rice
- Serve with Eggplant with Miso
- Grilled Asian Sesame Tofu with Vegetable Slaw with Asian green bean recipe on the side
- With mushrooms, marinated in the same sauce served with zucchini noodles
One of my favorite ways to highlight Asian green beans is to serve them with grilled tofu marinated in the same sauce with rice noodles and lime wedges. Even though this recipe has very few ingredients, the sauce elevates the flavors.
HOW TO PRESS TOFU FOR ASIAN GREEN BEAN BOWL
First, carefully remove the tofu from the package, discarding the fluid from the package.
Then, place the tofu in the middle of the tofu press and turn both knobs equally about four turns. I usually place the tofu press in the sink on its side, but for this visual post, I placed it on a plate to drain.
- Turn the knobs every two minutes, equally until you have the end result (the last picture).
- Most people stop here…NOT YET. Keep turning until the knobs are screwed as far as they can to almost touch the end like this:
- Now, remove the press from the plate, and I give it another press with some paper towel for excess fluid removal.
GRILLING INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the grill to low
- Place a grill mat on the grill (you can also use a grill pan, or if you are careful, you can place the tofu directly on the grill.
- Cook for about 8 minutes on each side
- Remove from the grill and place back in the marinade until ready to use.
- Then, cut it into strips or cubes
BAKING TOFU IS JUST AS EASY
- Simply follow the same pressing and marinating process.
- Then, preheat the oven to 400 degrees
- Place cut or uncut tofu on a silicone baking mat or parchment paper
- Cook for 15 minutes
- Remove from oven and flip tofu over; cook for an additional 15 minutes.
AIR-FRYING TOFU
- Simply follow the same pressing and marinating process.
- Set air fryer temperature at 375 degrees
- Cook 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times through the cooking process
IF YOU LOVE HEALTHY OIL-FREE ASIAN DISHES, CHECK OUT THESE RECIPES
- Cabbage Asian Salad
- Asian Salad with Peanut Dressing
- Lemongrass Tofu Recipe
- Vegan Poke Bowl Recipe
- Vietnamese Noodles
- Chinese Chicken Salad
- Spicy Cucumber Salad
- Grilled Asian Sesame Tofu with Vegetable Slaw
- Kale Asian Pasta Salad
- General Tso Cauliflower
- Tofu with Peanut Sauce
Asian Green Beans
Ingredients
Asian Green Bean Sauce/Marinade (½ for tofu marinade; ½ for cooking green beans)
- ¾ cup water
- 4 Tablespoons Hoisin Sauce
- 3 Tablespoons soy sauce or Tamari gluten-free option
- 1- inch fresh ginger grated
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Other Ingredients
- 14 ounces extra-firm or sprouted tofu pressed and patted dry
- 1 pound fresh green beans ends broken off
- 1 package rice noodles cooked according to package directions
Garnish
- 2 limes cut in quarter
- ½ cup Thai basil
Instructions
- Asian Green Bean Marinade and Sauce (½ tofu marinade; ½ stir fry sauce)
- In a small bowl, whisk all the ingredients together.
- Once the tofu is pressed and patted dry, cut into 4 equal pieces, and pour half the marinade over the pressed tofu, and marinate overnight.
- Refrigerate the rest of the sauce until ready to use.
Grilling Tofu
- Preheat the grill to low
- Place a grill mat on the grill (you can also use a grill pan, or if you are careful, you can place the tofu directly on the grill.
- Cook for about 8 minutes on each side
- Remove from the grill and place back in the marinade until ready to use.
- Then, cut it into strips or cubes
Baking Tofu
- Simply follow the same pressing and marinating process.
- Then, preheat the oven to 400 degrees
- Place cut or uncut tofu on a silicone baking mat or parchment paper
Cook for 15 minutes - Remove from oven and flip tofu over; cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Air Frying Tofu
- Simply follow the same pressing and marinating process.
- Set air fryer temperature at 375 degrees
- Cook 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times through the cooking process
Green Beans and Noodles
- Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions and set aside.
- Break off/cut the ends of the green beans.
- Rinse the green beans; drain but do not dry
- In a wok on medium-high cook minced garlic and add wet green beans; begin tossing the beans (they cook quickly)
- Cook for 2 minutes, tossing every minute.
- Add the remaining half of the sauce, and continuously cook the green beans until all the sauce dissipates and thickens on the green beans.
Building the Bowl
- Add a small portion of rice noodles to the bottom of each bowl.
- Add a serving of Asian green beans, some grilled tofu, and top with grilled tofu.
- Garnish with lime wedges and Thai basil leaves.
Notes
Nutrition
Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂
Anonymous
Anonymous
JoAnne Lowe
Asian Green Bean Recipe is a delightful meal. A light, refreshing dinner and fairly quick and easy ( marinating the tofu takes time). Next time I'll add the already cooked tofu into the pan with the beans and leftover marinade. I had leftover water chestnuts and bamboo in my fridge so tossed them in also. Thanks for this easy and pleasing meal!
Kathy Carmichael
Hi JoAnne! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you for the great ideas for additions to the meal. Stay safe and healthy 🙂