Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and crispy snack, fried green beans are a fantastic option. These crunchy treats are not only simple to make but also a great way to enjoy fresh vegetables in a fun and flavorful way. Perfect as an appetizer or a side dish, they are sure to impress family and friends. Let’s get started with the ingredients and instructions for this mouthwatering recipe.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Vegetable oil for frying
1¼ cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 pound fresh green beans, ends trimmed
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup beer
1-2 tablespoons hot sauce
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Instructions
1. In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 inch of oil to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, toss the green beans with ¼ cup flour. Shake off any excess.
3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 cup flour, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
4. Add in the beer and hot sauce and whisk until combined.
5. Dredge ⅓ of the green beans in the batter. Shake off any excess and place them directly in the hot oil.
6. Fry the green beans in the preheated oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer them to the paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain.
7. Repeat with the remaining green beans.
8. Season with a little extra salt and serve hot.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Heat the Oil
In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 inch of vegetable oil to 375°F. This temperature is crucial for achieving the crispy texture of the green beans. Prepare a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain the fried beans later.
Toss the Green Beans
In a large bowl, take the trimmed fresh green beans and toss them with ¼ cup of all-purpose flour. Make sure to coat them evenly. After tossing, shake off any excess flour to promote better adhesion of the batter.
Prepare the Batter
In a separate large bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in 1 cup of beer and 1-2 tablespoons of hot sauce into the dry mixture. Whisk thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well combined, ensuring there are no lumps.
Dredge the Green Beans
Take a third of the floured green beans and dredge them in the prepared batter. Make sure they are fully coated. Shake off any excess batter before placing them into the hot oil.
Fry the Green Beans
Carefully place the battered green beans into the preheated oil. Fry them until they are golden brown, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and transfer to the paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain any excess oil.
Repeat the Process
Continue the process with the remaining green beans, dredging and frying them in batches. Ensure the oil temperature remains consistent throughout the frying.
Season and Serve
Once all the green beans are fried and drained, sprinkle them with a little extra kosher salt. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Oil Temperature
Maintaining the oil temperature around 375°F is vital. If the temperature drops too low, the green beans may become greasy instead of crispy.
Batch Size
Fry the green beans in small batches to prevent overcrowding in the pot, which can lower the oil temperature and affect crispiness.
Hot Sauce
Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your desired spice level. You can also experiment with different types of hot sauce for varied flavors.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy green beans can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. They pair well with dips such as ranch or aioli.
Cook techniques
Frying
Frying is the cooking technique used to achieve a crispy texture and deep flavor. Heating oil to 375°F is essential for creating a golden-brown finish on the green beans while maintaining their tender interior.
Dredging
Dredging involves coating the green beans in flour before they are submerged in the batter. This step helps the batter adhere better, resulting in a more evenly coated and crunchy fried snack.
Whisking
Whisking the dry ingredients with the beer and hot sauce ensures a smooth batter. This technique prevents lumps and incorporates air, leading to a lighter texture in the final product.
Batch Cooking
Frying in small batches allows for even cooking and prevents overcrowding in the oil. This technique ensures that the temperature of the oil remains consistent, promoting a perfect fry.
Draining
Placing the fried green beans on paper towels allows excess oil to be absorbed, resulting in a less greasy final product. This step is crucial for maintaining the crispiness.
FAQ
What type of oil is best for frying green beans?
Vegetable oil is ideal for frying because it has a high smoke point, which ensures that the oil stays hot enough to fry the beans without burning.
Can I use other vegetables besides green beans?
Yes, other vegetables such as zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli can also be fried using this batter technique.
What is the purpose of using beer in the batter?
Beer adds flavor and carbonation, which creates a lighter, fluffier batter when fried.
How can I adjust the heat level of the dish?
You can adjust the heat level by varying the amount of hot sauce in the batter. For less heat, reduce the quantity or use a mild sauce.
Can I make the batter in advance?
It’s best to prepare the batter just before frying for optimal crispiness. If made in advance, the texture may change due to the carbonation dissipating.
How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?
You can use a thermometer to check the oil temperature. Alternatively, drop a small amount of batter into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready for frying.
Conclusion
The crispy, beer-battered green beans are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, offering a savory and satisfying crunch. Perfect as a snack or a side dish, these fried green beans bring together the flavors of garlic and onion with a spicy kick, making them an irresistible treat.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Beer-Battered Onion Rings
Substitute onion rings for green beans and follow the same battering and frying instructions for a crunchy appetizer.
Tempura Vegetables
Expand your frying adventures by using tempura batter for a variety of vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini.
Fried Pickles
Dredge pickle slices in the batter and fry until crispy for a tangy, crunchy snack.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Use a similar batter to coat cauliflower florets, fry them, and toss them in buffalo sauce for a spicy, healthy alternative.
Sweet Potato Fries
Cut sweet potatoes into strips, coat them with the seasoned batter, and fry for a sweeter take on classic fries.
Chicken Tenders
Use the same batter on chicken strips for deliciously crispy chicken tenders that pair well with dipping sauces.
