Buncis Sambal (Stir-fried Green Beans with Sambal)
Blistered green beans tossed with garlic, shallot and a spoonful of sambal, a hot, fresh side dish ready in ten minutes.
Made with Sambal oelek (chilli sambal). Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time15 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £0.78 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Bring a pan of water to the boil and blanch the green beans for 2 minutes. Drain and refresh in cold water, then dry well.
2 min - 2
Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan over a high heat. Add the beans and fry for 3 to 4 minutes, until blistered in places.
4 min - 3
Add the shallots and garlic and stir fry for 2 minutes until soft and golden at the edges.
2 min - 4
Stir in your ready made sambal oelek (see the base recipe), the tamari and the water. Toss for 1 to 2 minutes until the beans are glossy and well coated.
1 min 30 s - 5
Off the heat, add the vinegar for a fresh sharp finish. Taste and serve hot.
Tips
- Dry the blanched beans well before frying, or they steam and stay pale instead of blistering.
- A very hot pan gives the best blistered skin. Do not stir constantly.
- Add a handful of fried tempeh or tofu cubes to turn this into a vegan main.
Storing and freezing
Best fresh. Leftovers keep 2 days in the fridge in a covered container once cooled within 2 hours, and are good cold in a rice bowl. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Can I use other vegetables?
Yes. Long beans, broccoli, tenderstem, asparagus or sliced courgette all work. Adjust the blanching time: broccoli takes 2 minutes, courgette needs none.
Is this vegan and low carb?
It is vegan, gluten free, dairy free, egg free and nut free, and contains no added sugar or flour. It is a low carb side with plenty of green vegetables.
How much sambal should I use?
40 g gives a medium hot side for four. Use 20 g if serving to children or people who dislike heat, and pass extra sambal at the table.
More made with sambal oelek (chilli sambal)
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.