Imagine a side dish that combines the crisp freshness of green beans, the rich creaminess of mushroom soup, and the irresistible crunch of fried onions - all with a delightful Chinese-inspired twist! This Chinese Green Bean Casserole is not just another boring vegetable side; it's a culinary adventure that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply elevate your weeknight meal, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup fried onions
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- Wash the green beans thoroughly and trim off the ends. Cut the green beans into approximately 2-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Immediately drain the green beans and transfer them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color and crispness.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with soy sauce. Whisk together until well blended.
- Drain the green beans from the ice water and pat them dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Add the blanched green beans to the soup mixture, tossing gently to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the green bean and soup mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the fried onions evenly across the top of the casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the green beans are tender and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnishing with additional fried onions if desired.
Tips
- Blanching is Key: The secret to perfectly cooked green beans is quick blanching. Make sure to have your ice water bath ready to stop the cooking process and preserve that vibrant green color and crisp texture.
- Pat Those Beans Dry: After blanching, thoroughly dry the green beans to prevent a watery casserole. Excess moisture can make your dish soggy instead of crispy.
- Don't Skimp on Fried Onions: The crispy onion topping is what makes this casserole truly special. Ensure even coverage for maximum crunch in every bite.
- Season Carefully: The soy sauce adds salt, so go easy on additional salt. Taste the mixture before baking and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds before serving for an authentic Chinese-inspired touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
