Chinese Food

Eyebrow beans, scientifically known as Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis, are a staple in many Asian cuisines. These slender, vibrant green vegetables—also called yardlong beans or asparagus beans—are prized for their crisp texture and mild, grassy flavor. When stir-fried, they absorb the flavors of aromatics and sauces beautifully, making them a versatile ingredient for quick, nutritious meals. This article explores seven homemade recipes for stir-fried eyebrow beans, ranging from classic garlic-infused dishes to spicy Sichuan-inspired preparations. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned home chef, these recipes will help you master the art of cooking eyebrow beans.

Classic Garlic Stir-Fried Eyebrow Beans

This recipe highlights the bean’s natural flavor with a simple garlic-infused oil base.

Ingredients:

• 400g fresh eyebrow beans, trimmed and cut into 5cm segments
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp cooking oil (peanut or vegetable oil)
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blanch the eyebrow beans in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking. This step preserves their vibrant color and crunch.
2. Heat the oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden (30 seconds).
3. Toss in the blanched beans and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes. Season with salt, white pepper, and soy sauce (if using).
4. Serve hot as a side dish or over steamed rice.

Pro Tip: For added richness, drizzle a teaspoon of sesame oil before serving.

Spicy Sichuan-Style Eyebrow Beans

Sichuan cuisine’s bold flavors—numbing Sichuan peppercorns and fiery chili—elevate this dish.

Ingredients:

• 400g eyebrow beans, trimmed and halved
• 2 tbsp Sichuan pickled chili (or substitute with 1 tbsp chili bean paste)
• 1 tbsp fermented black beans, rinsed
• 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns, lightly toasted
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1-inch ginger, julienned
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a wok. Add Sichuan peppercorns and stir-fry for 15 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add garlic, ginger, and pickled chili. Sauté until the chili releases its oils.
3. Toss in the eyebrow beans and stir-fry vigorously for 5 minutes. Add fermented black beans, soy sauce, and sugar.
4. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the beans are tender but still crisp.

Pairing Suggestion: Serve with jasmine rice and a side of pickled vegetables.

Eyebrow Beans with Minced Pork

This hearty dish combines tender beans with savory ground pork.

Ingredients:

• 400g eyebrow beans, chopped into 4cm pieces
• 150g ground pork (80% lean)
• 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red chili, deseeded and sliced
• 2 tbsp cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Marinate the pork with Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch for 15 minutes.
2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok. Stir-fry the marinated pork until browned (3–4 minutes). Set aside.
3. In the same wok, add the remaining oil. Sauté garlic and chili until aromatic.
4. Add eyebrow beans and stir-fry for 4 minutes. Return the pork to the wok and toss to combine.
5. Cook for 2 more minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.

Variation: Substitute pork with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.

Vegetarian Eyebrow Beans with Shiitake Mushrooms

Earthy shiitake mushrooms and soy sauce create an umami-rich vegetarian dish.

Ingredients:

• 400g eyebrow beans, sliced diagonally
• 100g fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced
• 2 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce (or mushroom-flavored sauce)
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup vegetable stock

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a wok. Add ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
2. Toss in shiitake mushrooms and cook until golden (3 minutes).
3. Add eyebrow beans and vegetable stock. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Uncover, add oyster sauce and dark soy sauce. Stir-fry until the liquid evaporates.
5. Drizzle sesame oil before serving.

Nutritional Boost: Add a handful of shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra vitamins.

Dry-Fried Eyebrow Beans with Preserved Radish

A crispy, caramelized dish inspired by Taiwanese night markets.

Ingredients:

• 400g eyebrow beans, dried thoroughly
• 50g preserved radish (chai poh), rinsed and chopped
• 3 dried red chilies, crushed
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup cooking oil
• 1 tsp sugar

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add eyebrow beans and stir-fry until blistered and slightly charred (8–10 minutes). Remove and drain excess oil.
2. In the same wok, reduce heat to medium. Add preserved radish and dried chilies. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
3. Return the beans to the wok. Sprinkle with sugar and garlic powder. Toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately for maximum crunch.

Caution: Dry-frying requires constant stirring to prevent burning.

Eyebrow Beans with Coconut Milk and Curry Leaves

A creamy, aromatic dish with Indian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients:

• 400g eyebrow beans, cut into 3cm pieces
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 10 fresh curry leaves
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1/2 tsp turmeric

Instructions:

1. Heat coconut oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and curry leaves. Fry until the seeds pop.
2. Sauté onions until translucent. Stir in curry powder and turmeric.
3. Add eyebrow beans and coconut milk. Simmer for 7–8 minutes until the beans are tender.
4. Adjust salt to taste. Serve with roti or basmati rice.

Garnish: Sprinkle with toasted shredded coconut for texture.

Quick Pickled Eyebrow Beans

A tangy, refreshing side dish perfect for summer meals.

Ingredients:

• 400g eyebrow beans, blanched and shocked in ice water
• 1/2 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1 red chili, sliced

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, and salt. Simmer until dissolved. Cool completely.
2. Place blanched beans, garlic, and chili in a jar. Pour the vinegar mixture over.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Shelf Life: Stores for up to a week in the fridge.

Health Benefits of Eyebrow Beans

Eyebrow beans are a nutritional powerhouse. They’re rich in:

• Fiber: Aids digestion and promotes satiety.
• Vitamins A & C: Boost immunity and skin health.
• Iron & Calcium: Essential for blood and bone health.
• Antioxidants: Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

Their low glycemic index makes them suitable for diabetics, while their high water content supports hydration.

Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking: Results in mushy beans. Stir-fry until tender-crisp.
2. Skipping Blanching: Raw beans have a grassy taste; blanching mellows their flavor.
3. Overcrowding the Pan: Steam instead of stir-frying. Cook in batches if needed.

Conclusion

Stir-fried eyebrow beans are a testament to the beauty of simple, wholesome cooking. With endless flavor combinations—from fiery Sichuan to creamy coconut—this vegetable adapts to any palate. Experiment with spices, proteins, and cooking techniques to create your signature dish. Whether you’re a minimalist or a culinary adventurer, these recipes ensure that eyebrow beans will never be boring on your dinner table.