Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut Recipe – Ready in 20 Minutes

There’s something magical about the combination of crispy green beans and sweet coconut that’ll make your taste buds dance! 

This stir fry green beans with coconut recipe is one of those dishes that looks fancy but is actually super easy to make at home. 

The fresh green beans stay crunchy, the coconut adds a lovely sweet flavor, and everything comes together in just one pan.

I absolutely love making this recipe when I want something different from the usual side dishes. 

It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something healthy and delicious on the table fast. The best part? 

You don’t need any fancy cooking skills – just a hot pan and fresh ingredients. 

This coconut green beans stir fry works great as a side dish for dinner, and it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even your favorite rice bowl.

Whether you’re cooking for a quiet dinner at home or hosting friends for a meal, this stir fried green beans recipe will impress everyone. 

Trust me, once you try this easy vegetable stir fry, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes!

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Cuisine Type: Asian Fusion
• Servings: Available for 2 people and 6 people
• Best Served With: Jasmine rice, grilled salmon, teriyaki chicken, coconut rice, or garlic shrimp

Ingredients List

For 2 People:

• Fresh green beans – 300g (10.5 oz), trimmed
• Shredded coconut (unsweetened) – 3 tablespoons (15g)
• Coconut oil – 2 tablespoons (30ml)
• Garlic cloves – 3 cloves, minced
• Fresh ginger – 1 teaspoon, grated (about 1/2 inch piece)
• Soy sauce – 1 tablespoon (15ml)
• Sesame oil – 1 teaspoon (5ml)
• Red pepper flakes – 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for heat)
• Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
• Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon, freshly ground
• Lime juice – 1 tablespoon (from 1/2 lime)
• Sesame seeds – 1 teaspoon (for garnish)
• Water – 2 tablespoons (30ml)

For 6 People:

• Fresh green beans – 900g (31.5 oz), trimmed
• Shredded coconut (unsweetened) – 9 tablespoons (45g)
• Coconut oil – 6 tablespoons (90ml)
• Garlic cloves – 9 cloves, minced
• Fresh ginger – 3 teaspoons, grated (about 1.5-inch piece)
• Soy sauce – 3 tablespoons (45ml)
• Sesame oil – 3 teaspoons (15ml)
• Red pepper flakes – 3/4 teaspoon (optional, for heat)
• Salt – 3/4 teaspoon
• Black pepper – 3/4 teaspoon, freshly ground
• Lime juice – 3 tablespoons (from 1.5 limes)
• Sesame seeds – 3 teaspoons (for garnish)
• Water – 6 tablespoons (90ml)

Equipment Needed

• Large wok or skillet (12-inch works best for even cooking)
• Sharp knife (for trimming green beans)
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Garlic press or grater (optional, but helpful)
• Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
• Small bowl (for mixing sauce)
• Kitchen towel or paper towels (for drying green beans)
• Serving plate or bowl

Cooking Instructions For Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

Wash the fresh green beans under cold running water. 

Make sure you get rid of any dirt or debris. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels – this is important because dry beans will get crispier when you stir-fry them. 

Trim off both ends of each green bean using a sharp knife. You can leave them whole or cut them in half if they’re really long. Set them aside on your cutting board.

Step 2: Prep Your Aromatics

Peel the garlic cloves and mince them finely. You want small pieces so they’ll cook evenly and spread their flavor throughout the dish. 

Peel the fresh ginger using the edge of a spoon (this works better than a knife!), then grate it using a fine grater or microplane. 

Measure out your shredded coconut and set everything near your stove – stir-frying happens fast, so you’ll want everything ready to go.

Step 3: Make the Sauce Mixture

In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, and water. Stir it well with a spoon until everything’s combined. 

This sauce mixture will add amazing flavor to your coconut stir-fry green beans. Set this bowl aside near your cooking area.

Step 4: Toast the Coconut

Here’s a key step that makes this recipe special! Heat your wok or large skillet over medium heat. 

Add the shredded coconut (no oil yet) and toast it, stirring constantly with your wooden spoon. 

This takes about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the coconut turns golden brown and smells nutty and amazing. 

Be careful not to burn it – coconut goes from golden to burnt pretty quickly! 

Once it’s toasted, transfer the coconut to a small plate and set it aside.

Step 5: Heat the Pan for Stir Frying

Wipe out your wok or skillet with a paper towel. Now turn the heat up to medium-high. Add the coconut oil and let it heat up for about 30 seconds. 

You’ll know the oil is ready when it starts to shimmer and moves easily around the pan. 

This hot pan is the secret to getting those perfectly crispy stir fried vegetables!

Step 6: Cook the Aromatics

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil. Stir them quickly with your wooden spoon. 

Cook for just 30-45 seconds until they smell incredible and the garlic just starts to turn light golden. 

Don’t walk away during this step – garlic burns fast! You want it fragrant and lightly cooked, not brown and bitter.

Step 7: Add the Green Beans

Carefully add all your trimmed green beans to the wok. You might hear a sizzling sound – that’s perfect! 

Toss the beans with your spoon or spatula to coat them in the garlicky oil. Spread them out in an even layer if you can. 

Let them cook without stirring for about 2 minutes. This helps them get those nice brown spots that add flavor.

Step 8: Stir Fry the Beans

Now it’s time to stir-fry! Toss the green beans every 30 seconds or so, cooking them for about 5-6 minutes total. 

You want them to be tender but still crispy – they should be bright green with some golden brown spots. 

If your beans are really thick, they might need an extra minute or two.

Step 9: Add the Sauce

Pour your sauce mixture over the stir-fried green beans. Toss everything together quickly so the beans get coated evenly. 

The liquid will sizzle when it hits the hot pan. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce reduces a bit and coats the beans nicely. The beans should look glossy and delicious.

Step 10: Season and Add Coconut

Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Give everything a good stir. 

Now add most of your toasted coconut back in, saving just a little bit for garnish. Toss the coconut with the beans so it sticks to them. 

The coconut will pick up all those amazing flavors from the sauce.

Step 11: Final Taste and Adjust

Taste a green bean – be careful, it’s hot! Check if you need more salt, pepper, or lime juice. 

Some people like it a bit saltier, others want more lime tang. This is your chance to make it perfect for your taste. Add anything you think it needs and give it one more quick toss.

Step 12: Plate and Serve

Turn off the heat. Transfer your stir-fried green beans with coconut to a serving plate or bowl. 

Sprinkle the remaining toasted coconut on top for a pretty presentation. Add the sesame seeds as a final garnish – they add a nice nutty flavor and look beautiful. 

Serve your coconut green bean stir fry immediately while it’s hot and crispy!

Serving Suggestions

Serve your stir-fried green beans with coconut on a large platter or individual plates for a beautiful presentation. 

The bright green beans with golden coconut flakes look absolutely gorgeous! You can garnish with extra lime wedges on the side so everyone can add more citrus if they want.

This coconut green beans recipe works perfectly as a side dish for Asian-inspired dinners. 

Try it alongside coconut rice or jasmine rice for a complete meal. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled teriyaki salmon, Thai basil chicken, or honey garlic shrimp. The sweet coconut flavor complements spicy main dishes really well.

For a complete vegetarian meal, serve these stir fried green beans with tofu pad thai and some spring rolls. 

You can also add them to a Buddha bowl with quinoa, avocado, and your favorite protein. 

I love serving this at potlucks too – it travels well and everyone always asks for the recipe!

Read More – Southern Green Beans and Potatoes Recipe

Nutritional Information (Per Serving for 2 People)

• Calories: Approximately 245 calories
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Dietary Fiber: 6g
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 15g (from coconut)
• Sodium: 450mg
• Vitamin A: 15% of the daily value
• Vitamin C: 25% of the daily value
• Vitamin K: 30% of the daily value
• Iron: 8% of the daily value
• Calcium: 6% of the daily value

Note: These are approximate values and may vary based on specific ingredients used. Green beans are naturally low in calories and high in fiber, making this a healthy side dish option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen green beans for this coconut stir fry recipe?

Yes, frozen green beans work well in this stir fry recipe. Just thaw them first and pat them dry completely before cooking. Removing excess water helps the beans crisp up nicely in the pan instead of steaming.

What type of coconut is best for stir-fried green beans?

Use unsweetened shredded coconut or desiccated coconut for this recipe. Sweetened coconut will change the taste and may burn quickly when toasting.

Can I make stir fry green beans with coconut without soy sauce?

Absolutely! For a soy-free version, replace soy sauce with coconut aminos or tamari. These options maintain the savory flavor while keeping the recipe gluten-free and paleo-friendly.

How do I keep the green beans crispy in stir fry?

To keep green beans crisp, make sure they are completely dry before cooking, use a hot pan, and avoid overcrowding the skillet. Let them sear for a couple of minutes without stirring to develop golden spots and a crisp texture.

Is this coconut green bean stir fry recipe vegan or gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, especially when you use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos. It’s a healthy plant-based side dish packed with fiber and nutrients.

What proteins pair best with coconut stir fry green beans?

This dish pairs beautifully with grilled salmon, teriyaki chicken, garlic shrimp, tofu, coconut rice, or jasmine rice. It also works great in Buddha bowls or alongside Thai and Asian-style dinners.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

You can prepare it ahead, but it tastes best when served fresh for maximum crunch. If meal prepping, store it in an airtight container and reheat in a hot skillet for 2 minutes to restore texture.

What vegetables can I add to this stir-fry for more flavor?

You can enhance this recipe by adding bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, or baby corn. They blend well with the coconut flavor and keep the stir-fry colorful and nutritious.

Can I make this coconut green bean recipe spicy?

Yes! Simply add red pepper flakes, sliced chili peppers, or sriracha sauce during cooking to give it a spicy kick without affecting the main flavors.

How do I prevent the coconut from burning while toasting?

Toast the shredded coconut on medium heat, stirring constantly. It turns golden quickly, usually within 2–3 minutes, so watch closely and remove it from the pan as soon as it’s fragrant and lightly browned.

Conclusion

This stir-fry green beans with coconut recipe is one of those dishes that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring! 

The crispy green beans, combined with sweet toasted coconut, create an absolutely irresistible flavor combination. 

Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and delicious.

I hope you’ll stir this easy coconut green beans fry a try in your kitchen. It’s become one of my favorite side dishes, and I think it’ll become one of yours too. 

The beauty of this recipe is that you can adjust it to your taste – make it spicier, add more lime, or throw in some extra veggies. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

I’d love to hear how your stir-fried green beans with coconut turned out! 

• Did you add any special touches? 
• Did your family love it as much as mine does? 

Please leave a comment below and let me know. 

If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with your friends who love easy vegetable recipes. And if you’re looking for more delicious green bean recipes, check out my other posts – there are so many tasty ways to cook these healthy vegetables!

Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious homemade coconut stir-fry green beans!