PF Chang’s Spicy Green Beans

For me the first time I ate at PF Chang’s, it was love at first bite! I was instantly smitten with their Crispy Honey Shrimp, Mongolian Beef, and the Crispy Green Beans (OMG!!) However a surprise hit for me turned out to be their Spicy Green Beans (which came to the table by accident funny enough).

One day over the summer, my family went to PF Chang’s for lunch.  The kids always order their Crispy Green Beans, so almost upon entry, we ordered them.

Green beans did come out from the kitchen, however, they were not the green beans we expected. Instead,  different Green Beans came out, the kiddos immediately gave the plate the sink eye, lol. So our waiter said to just keep them and that he would bring the kids out the Crispy’s right away.

THAT was such a deeeelicious mistake! Boy were those Spicy Green Beans good…I wondered how in the world they could have escaped my food-radar all this time. ‘Cause…ya know, I have been to PF Chang’s quite-a-bit over the years.

A few weeks later, my husband & I were on a Saturday morning date and we popped by the Wrightstown Farmers Market, which occurs every Saturday morning and a woman was there selling nothing but green beans.  Big-fat-delicious-looking green beans in small baskets.  I knew what I had to do…I had to replicate those green beans, so I did. I’d call that a sign, lol!

They were delicious…exactly the taste and texture we wanted.  I don’t have a wok (I used to back in the day) but they came out perfect!

These Spicy Green Beans are easy to make and would compliment a host of proteins or good enough to be eaten on their own. If you want to take your beans and kick them up a notch…try them!

Ingredients needed to make Copycat PF Chang’s Green Beans

• 2 TBS soy sauce (I like low sodium soy sauce for cooking)
• 1 TBS rice wine vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 1/2 pounds green beans
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 2 TBS sesame oil

If you enjoy green beans (or need them to disguise as I do) Check out these Harissa Green Beans I made for a site I recipe develop for – They were different & scrumptious! 

Another way I enjoy green beans is by making these super simple Cajun Green Beans. Easy and low cal!  You can use Cajun or Blackening Seasoning. Char them as much or as little as you wish.

I also make Steamed Green Beans with Bacon Jam….I mean why not? This Bacon Jam is so good it’s ridiculous! I give it as host/hostess and food gifts during the holidays. I put it on eggs, veggies, burgers, eggs, cheese and more! 

Let me know if you try out any of the green bean recipes!

Enjoy!

Since I am not a registered dietitian, nutritional data is provided by a nutritional calculator. 

Recipe originally published in September, 2015. Updated April, 202 with nutritional information.

Print Recipe

5 from 8 votes

Spicy Green Beans (PF Changs)

This is my favorite way to enjoy green beans at home. Full of flavor and crisp tender (or cooked to your liking). These may become your new favorite veggie!

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time6 mins

Total Time16 mins

Course: Sides, Vegetarian

Cuisine: Asian

Keyword: Asian Green Beans, PF Changs Green Beans, spicy green beans

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 131kcal

Author: Colleen Kennedy

Ingredients

• 2 TBS soy sauce I like low sodium for cooking
• 1 TBS rice wine vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 1/2 pounds green beans
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 2 TBS sesame oil

Instructions

• Mix together the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar and cornstarch. Set aside.
• Prep your green beans by snipping off any ends that need it.
• In your large skillet (or wok if you have one), heat your oil on medium heat for about 30 seconds, add in your garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
• Add in your green beans and cook until either crisp tender or more wilted, whichever is your preference. Depending on the size of your green beans 3-5 minutes.
• Pour in your soy sauce mixture. coat with sauce and continue to cook for another minute.
• Serve & enjoy!

Notes

If you enjoy your beans completely cooked vs a little crisp-tender, add 2 TBS of water to the soy mix when you add it to the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes or until done to your liking.

Nutrition

Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 522mg | Potassium: 397mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1322IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 2mg