At the table
Take small portions with rice; whole dried chilies can be left aside.
This version contains minced pork, soy sauce and sesame oil; it is not a vegetarian plate of beans. Recipes vary; confirm the actual ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
The beans can be seared directly or fried in oil first. Some versions omit the pork, while others include it.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Savory and aromatic with garlic and dried chili.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Tender beans with blistered skins and fine crumbly pork.
- How it’s made
- Sear beans until tender, then briefly stir-fry with the prepared seasonings.
The beans can be seared directly or fried in oil first. Some versions omit the pork, while others include it.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Sichuan.
About this regional connection
Sichuan: Part of the Sichuan cooking repertoire.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有干煸四季豆吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
What “dry-fried” tells you
Ganbian describes cooking that leaves the beans wrinkled and concentrated in flavor rather than swimming in sauce. Restaurants may deep-fry them first for speed; a home version can sear them more slowly. The name describes a style, not a promise of oil-free or meat-free food.