If you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious dish that’s also easy to prepare, look no further! This stir-fried vegetarian meatballs with green beans recipe brings together vibrant flavors, thanks to the addition of curry paste. Not only is it a great option for vegetarians and vegans, but it’s also perfect for anyone who wants a hearty and flavorful meal without much hassle. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious dish at home.
Ingredients:
For this recipe, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
- Vegetarian meatballs (store-bought or homemade): 10-12 pieces
- Fresh green beans: 200 grams (trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces)
- Curry paste (red or green, based on your preference): 1 tablespoon
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves (minced)
- Onion: 1 small (sliced)
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Oyster sauce (vegetarian version): 1 tablespoon
- Coconut milk: 100 ml
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
- Lime leaves (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the ingredients: Start by preparing your vegetarian meatballs and green beans. If you’re using store-bought meatballs, thaw or cook them according to the package instructions. Wash and trim your green beans, cutting them into even-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Heat the pan: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and onions, sautéing until they become fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add the curry paste: Stir in the curry paste and sauté for a minute or two until the paste releases its rich aroma. Be sure to keep stirring to prevent it from burning.
- Cook the vegetarian meatballs: Add the vegetarian meatballs to the pan, stirring them into the curry paste. Allow the meatballs to cook for 3-4 minutes, absorbing the flavors of the curry paste while developing a nice outer crisp.
- Toss in the green beans: Add the green beans to the pan, tossing them with the curry-coated meatballs. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the beans start to soften but still retain their crunch. The texture contrast between the soft meatballs and the crisp green beans adds to the appeal of this dish.
- Season and simmer: Season the stir-fry with soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, and sugar. Add the coconut milk and stir everything together to form a creamy and flavorful sauce. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the meatballs and green beans evenly.
- Garnish and serve: For extra aroma, you can tear and add some lime leaves right before serving. Serve the stir-fry hot with steamed rice or noodles, letting the rich, creamy, and slightly spicy curry sauce infuse each bite.
Tips for Perfect Stir-Fry:
- Balance of flavors: Adjust the level of spiciness by using more or less curry paste based on your taste preference. If you like your stir-fries on the milder side, opt for green curry paste, as it’s often less spicy than red curry.
- Use fresh beans: Fresh, crisp green beans make a big difference in the texture and overall freshness of the dish.
- Homemade vegetarian meatballs: If you have time, you can make your own vegetarian meatballs using ingredients like chickpeas, tofu, or textured vegetable protein (TVP) to personalize the recipe further.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Quick and easy: This recipe takes under 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: You can substitute the green beans with other vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini for variety.
- Full of flavor: The curry paste, soy sauce, and coconut milk create a rich and aromatic sauce that perfectly complements the vegetarian meatballs.
This stir-fried vegetarian meatballs with green beans is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that’s full of flavor and nutrition. The aroma of curry paste combined with the crunch of green beans and the savory vegetarian meatballs makes it a satisfying meal that you’ll want to make again and again. Try it out, and you might just find it becoming one of your go-to recipes!
