If you tire of cucumber pickles, you need to try pickled spicy green beans. This lacto-fermented spicy green bean recipe is sure to kick those pickle blues to the curb. Read on for Angi’s best.
We’re just beginning to harvest green beans – actually, the ones we are harvesting are yellow, not green. But I’m calling them green beans just the same. It’s such a fun time after a long winter of surviving on greens. But sometimes we have a few too many or too few for a meal.
Too few is easy, we just mix them in with other veggies. But too many is a little harder. No one in my family likes leftover, sauteed green beans. And once picked, green beans tend to dry out pretty quickly in my refrigerator.
This year I’m taking those extra handfuls and making lacto-fermented, spicy green beans. They are so easy and good.
Lacto-fermented Pickled Spicy Green Bean Recipe
Looking to add some excitement to your green beans? These spicy green beans offer a delightful twist to the classic sautéed version, bursting with flavors and surprisingly simple to prepare! With a quick 20-minute cooking time and a mere 5 ingredients, this recipe is the perfect option for a hassle-free weeknight dinner. Enjoy a swift and tasty meal with these zesty green beans.
To get started, you will need:
- 2 cups water (if you have chlorinated water, you’ll want to use distilled water)
- Green beans
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Herbs (I used dill but you could use rosemary, garlic or basil)
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients:
• Make a 2% brine with salt and water.
• Remove stems from beans and put them in a wide-mouth, pint-size jar. It will help if you tilt the jar on its side to fill it. Put peppers and herbs in a jar.
• Pour brine over beans. Put weight on top of the beans and make sure everything is submerged.
• Put Fermentools lid and band on the jar and store in a cool dark place for 5-7 days. Once they are fermented to your liking, store them in the refrigerator.
Instructions
Creating these delectable spicy green beans is a breeze! Detailed instructions can be found in the recipe card below, but here’s a breakdown of the simple steps:
- Begin by sautéing the fresh green beans in avocado oil, seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook them until they reach a delightful state of tenderness, starting to soften and release their natural flavors.
- Next, introduce the star of the dish – the hot pepper sauce, minced garlic, and a touch of honey. These ingredients will infuse the green beans with a rich blend of spiciness, zesty garlic notes, and a hint of sweetness for balance.
- Continue cooking while stirring consistently, ensuring the green beans achieve that perfect balance of tenderness and a tender-crisp texture. The sauce should coat each bean, creating a mouthwatering combination of flavors.
These spicy green beans will still be crunchy…and delicious. Enjoy!
Quick Link: How to Adapt Recipes for One Person
Optional: Tools Might Need for Spicy Green Beans Recipe
Soy Sauce: When it comes to soy sauce, Kikkoman stands out with its exceptional flavor. I always recommend opting for the reduced-sodium version to strike the perfect balance.
Wok: A wok is an invaluable addition to your kitchen, especially if you enjoy high-heat cooking and whipping up quick and delicious stir-fries.
Chili Garlic Paste: This ingredient is akin to an unblended Sriracha, offering a delightful heat while retaining those delectable chunks of chili peppers you can spot in the photos. While Sriracha can be a substitute if needed, do note that it may affect the appearance of your dishes.
Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar boasts a unique flavor profile that’s challenging to replicate with substitutes. It provides a subtle hint of sweetness coupled with a mellow undertone. You can easily find it in the Asian food section of most local grocery stores, and Asian grocers typically offer a wide selection of over 50 varieties. Keeping a bottle on hand is a culinary delight for its wonderful flavor.
Tips & Tricks for Spicy Green Beans Recipe
The choice is yours! Personally, I lean towards Haricot Verts due to their slimmer, elongated profile and, in my opinion, superior flavor. However, if you decide to go with regular green beans, don’t forget to trim off the ends for optimal taste.
Customizable Spice Level: What makes this recipe truly enjoyable is the flexibility it offers in terms of spiciness. If you prefer a milder heat, exercise restraint when adding red pepper flakes. But if you’re a spice enthusiast, feel free to go all in and dial up the heat with as much red pepper as your taste buds desire!
Cooking with hot peppers, including hot pepper sauce, can produce pungent fumes that may irritate your senses, particularly if you’re sensitive. To mitigate this, ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated, and keep your kitchen hood fan on to help dissipate the fumes.
If you find yourself particularly sensitive to chili vapors, it might be wise to consider an alternative recipe to avoid any discomfort. Your cooking experience should be enjoyable, so choose recipes that align with your preferences and tolerance levels.
Bottom Line
Spicy green beans represent a fantastic enhancement to your culinary toolkit, providing a delightful blend of spiciness and savory notes that are bound to excite your taste buds. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between heat and flavor, ensuring a tantalizing culinary experience. Its straightforward preparation process means you can savor this delectable dish whenever you crave a hint of spice in your meal. Spice up your dining experience with the simplicity and deliciousness of spicy green beans.
FAQs
You can use fresh green beans or frozen ones for this recipe. Fresh beans provide a crisp texture, while frozen beans are convenient and readily available. Both work well; it’s a matter of personal preference.
The level of spiciness is adjustable based on your preference. You can control the heat by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes or adjusting the type of hot sauce you use. Start with a moderate level and adjust to your taste.
Yes, you can prepare the spicy green beans in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days. Reheat them on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.
Spicy green beans complement a wide range of main courses. They go well with grilled chicken, roasted pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. They’re versatile and can enhance the flavors of various entrees.