Fried green beans – they’re crunchy, savory, and incredibly addictive! These crispy little bites are a delicious way to enjoy a healthy serving of vegetables, whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or even a side dish.
While many people shy away from frying at home, I’m here to tell you that making your own fried green beans is easier than you think! With a few simple steps and some helpful tips, you’ll be enjoying restaurant-quality fried green beans in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, let’s dive right in and explore the wonderful world of fried green beans!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we begin, let’s gather everything we need. This recipe is quite simple, but having all the ingredients prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process even smoother:
- Fresh green beans: 1 pound, washed and trimmed
- All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup
- Cornstarch: 1/4 cup
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, but adds a nice flavor)
- Paprika: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a touch of smokiness)
- Eggs: 2, beaten
- Water: 1/4 cup
- Vegetable oil: Enough for frying (about 2-3 inches deep in your pan)
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the batter.
Tools of the Trade
Here are the tools you’ll need to make perfect fried green beans:
- Large bowl: For mixing the batter
- Whisk: To ensure a smooth, lump-free batter
- Large skillet or Dutch oven: For frying
- Tongs or slotted spoon: For safely removing the green beans from the hot oil
- Paper towels: For draining excess oil
- Thermometer: To monitor the oil temperature (optional, but highly recommended)
Let’s Get Frying!
Now comes the fun part – let’s turn those fresh green beans into crispy, golden-brown perfection!
- Prepare the green beans: Rinse the green beans under cold water and pat them dry. Trim the ends of the beans, removing any tough stems.
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and any optional spices (garlic powder, paprika).
- Dip and coat: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and water until well combined. Dip each green bean into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Set the coated green beans aside on a plate or baking sheet.
- Heat the oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. You’ll want the oil to reach about 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is hot enough, sprinkle a small pinch of flour into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go.
- Fry the green beans: Carefully add the coated green beans to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the green beans for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and serve: Remove the fried green beans from the oil using tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired. Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy!
