Spicy Green Beans (PF Chang’s Copycat)

This PF Chang’s Copycat Spicy Green Beans recipe is my favorite way of make fresh green beans. Tons of flavor and the perfect mix of crispy and tender. Enjoy as a side dish for extra texture, healthy veggies, and a spicy kick!

Close up of a white plate filled with spicy green beans with a brown sesame seed sauce on top.

Spicy Green Beans

Every time we go to PF Changs, I always get their chili-garlic green beans. They are tender and crisp at the same time and have so much flavor with just the right amount of heat.

You might think that green beans are boring but they’re not. You can add so many different flavors and spices to them. Just check out my smothered green beans and my Italian green beans recipes.

I am totally in love with this recipe because now I can enjoy PF Chang’s green beans anytime I want. They are great as a side on a busy weekday, but they can also look fancy enough to bring out at a dinner party.

Plus they are quick and easy with just 15 minutes of cook time. A copycat recipe you are going to print and make over and over again!

Ingredients for PF Changs Spicy Green Beans in small bowls including fresh green beans, kosher salt, toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, grated ginger, finely minced garlic, rice wine vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Ingredients Needed

Green beans – I prefer to use fresh green beans, but you can use frozen green beans in a pinch.

Soy sauce – Substitute this for Tamari or Coconut Aminos if you need something gluten free.

Rice wine vinegar – Use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar if you have these to hand instead.

Sugar – Substitute for honey or brown sugar for a slightly different flavor.

Crushed red pepper flakes – These add a nice kick. Substitute chili garlic sauce or even Sriracha if you don’t have them. 

Ginger – Fresh grated is best. You can find it in a squeeze tube in the produce section. Ground ginger powder will work in a pinch.

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How to Make Spicy Garlic Green Beans

First: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 2-3 minutes until crisp tender. Remove and shock in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. set aside.

Second: In a bowl, combine the marinade ingredients and whisk to combine.

Third: In a large pot or skillet, cook the marinade over medium high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, for 1-2 minutes or until it starts to thicken.

Fourth: Toss in the blanched green beans and toss to coat in the warm sauce. Remove to a serving platter and garnish with toasted sesame seeds. Serve and enjoy!

For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

Top view of a white oval plate filled with spicy green beans in a brown sesame seed sauce.

How long do they last?

Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet until warmed through.

Can I freeze them?

You can freeze these spicy green beans, but when you thaw them they might be a bit watery and not as crispy as before.

I love these spicy green beans with just about anything, but particularly as a side to my Creamy Garlic Chicken or my Spaghetti Carbonara.

Close up of a fork in mid air holding 3 spicy green beans in the foreground, and a plate of crispy battered chicken on a plate with the rest of the spicy green beans.

Tips for No Leftovers

  • Add other veggies like bell pepper and green onions to make a bigger side dish.
  • Use the freshest green beans you can. Use them as soon as possible after purchase, but no later than three days after storing them in the refrigerator.
  • Green beans can be sautéed in a big skillet with sesame oil or olive oil rather than blanched or steamed. Cook until the outside of the green beans is well charred.
  • Add even more heat by using more crush red pepper flakes, or by putting some of your favorite hot sauce drinks.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

collage of green bean pictures in a pinterest pin image

Make these Spicy Green Beans for your next gathering. From a busy weeknight meal to a fancy dinner party these green beans are a delicious dish to serve!

green bean side dish

PF Chang’s Spicy Green Beans

Make these Spicy Green Beans for your next gathering. From a busy weeknight meal to a fancy dinner party these green beans are a delicious dish to serve!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dishes
Cuisine: Asian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 76kcal
Author: Jennifer Stewart

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh green beans washed and trimmed
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Garlic Ginger Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons grated ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic minced fine
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/4 teaspoon crush red pepper flakes

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to boil an d blanch the green beans for 2-3 minutes or until crisp tender. Remove from the water and submerge in an ice bath to stop the cooking.
  • In a large skillet over medium high heat, bring the ingredients for the garlic ginger sauce to a simmer.
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes or until it starts to thicken.
  • Toss in the blanched green beans and toss to coat them in the sauce.
  • Remove to a serving platter and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

  • Add other veggies like bell pepper and green onions to make a bigger side dish.
  • Use the freshest green beans you can. Use them as soon as possible after purchase, but no later than three days after storing them in the refrigerator.
  • Green beans can be sautéed in a big skillet with sesame oil or olive oil rather than blanched or steamed. Cook until the outside of the green beans is well charred.
  • Add even more heat by using more crush red pepper flakes, or by putting some of your favorite hot sauce drinks.
  • Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 76kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 542mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g

    LeftoversThenBreakfast.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encourages and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

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