Tempura-Fried Green Beans with Spicy Aioli
Light and crisp tempura batter encases fresh green beans, served alongside a creamy, spicy aioli dipping sauce. This japanese-inspired snacks ready in about 25 minutes blends fresh green beans, trimmed, all-purpose flour, cornstarch into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup ice-cold sparkling water
- 1 egg yolk
- 4 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, and 1/2 tsp baking powder. Add 1 egg yolk and 1 cup ice-cold sparkling water, stirring gently until just combined; batter should be lumpy and cold.
- Step 2: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 3: Pat dry 12 oz fresh green beans with paper towels. Dip green beans into the tempura batter one handful at a time, allowing excess batter to drip off.
- Step 4: Carefully lower the battered green beans into the hot oil in batches, frying for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Step 6: Serve tempura-fried green beans hot with the spicy aioli for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tempura-Fried Green Beans with Spicy Aioli take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Tempura-Fried Green Beans with Spicy Aioli?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tempura-Fried Green Beans with Spicy Aioli?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Tempura-Fried Green Beans with Spicy Aioli for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Tempura-Fried Green Beans with Spicy Aioli?
Japanese snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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