One of our most versatile and nutritious favorites is French beans, known for their crisp texture, vibrant color, and mild sweetness. Also called French green beans or haricots verts, they are a beloved part of cuisines around the world — from French and Thai dishes to family comfort meals like French green bean casserole.
Our chefs use this humble vegetable in countless ways, blending its freshness with aromatic herbs and flavorful sauces to create dishes that perfectly complement our tropical island setting. Whether you enjoy them stir-fried with garlic, tossed into curries, or served as a light side dish, French bean offer endless culinary possibilities.
The Story Behind French Beans
The journey of the French bean begins in Central and South America, where they were first cultivated thousands of years ago. Spanish explorers brought them to Europe, where they quickly became a staple in French cuisine. Today, French-style green beans are celebrated globally for their delicate flavor and high nutritional value.
In Thailand, they’ve found a natural home in stir-fries, curries, and salads. At Shalimar Phuket, our chefs love using them in light coconut curries and spicy wok-fried dishes — an ideal blend of European elegance and Thai flair.
The Recipe: French Bean Stir Fry, Shalimar Style
Our French bean stir fry is a vibrant, healthy dish inspired by both Thai and continental cooking. It’s simple, aromatic, and pairs beautifully with jasmine rice or grilled seafood — two staples of Phuket’s dining culture.
Ingredients:
- 300g French Bean (trimmed and halved)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- A few drops of lime juice
- Optional: sliced chili or sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a wok over medium heat.
- Add chopped garlic and onion; sauté until fragrant.
- Toss in the French bean and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until bright green and crisp.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir well to coat the beans evenly.
- Finish with a splash of lime juice and serve immediately.
This dish is a perfect example of how Shalimar blends local Thai technique with global flavors, highlighting the freshness of French Beans while keeping the taste clean and balanced.
Nutritional Benefits of French Beans
Aside from their delicate flavor, French beans benefits extend to health and wellness. They’re low in calories, rich in dietary fiber, and packed with essential vitamins like A, C, and K. They also contain iron, calcium, and antioxidants that support overall immunity and heart health.
Regularly including French Beans in your diet can improve digestion, help manage weight, and support glowing skin — just a few reasons they feature so prominently in our healthy dining options at Shalimar Phuket.
Cooking Inspiration from Around the World
While Thailand enjoys French Bean in stir-fries and curries, they’re equally popular in Western dishes like the beloved French’s green bean casserole recipe — a comforting classic made with creamy sauce, crispy onions, and tender beans. In India, this ingredient goes by different names such as “French beans in Hindi” (फ्रेंच बीन्स) and “French beans in Marathi” (फ्रेंच बीन्स), often cooked with spices and coconut for a hearty home meal.
You can also experiment with French bean seeds in your own garden; they’re easy to grow in tropical climates like Phuket’s, producing a consistent harvest of fresh, crunchy pods. Whether you prefer French-style green beans sautéed with butter or steamed with a sprinkle of salt, their simplicity and versatility make them a universal favorite. French beans pair beautifully with Thai-style dishes, adding freshness and a satisfying crunch to savory meals. At Shalimar Phuket, we love pairing fresh, sautéed French Beans with flavorful Thai dishes — especially our Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice, which perfectly complements the crisp texture and vibrant flavor of the beans.
Chef’s Tips for Perfect French Beans
Our chefs at Shalimar Phuket share a few expert tips to help you make the most of this nutritious ingredient:
- Don’t overcook. French Bean are best when slightly crisp; overboiling can dull their color and texture.
- Blanch before stir-frying. A quick blanch in salted water helps retain their vibrant green hue.
- Pair with bold flavors. Garlic, chili, oyster sauce, or even curry paste enhance their subtle sweetness.
- Add texture. Sprinkle sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for a nutty finish.
These small techniques ensure that every serving of French bean bursts with freshness and flavor
Frequently Asked Questions
Are French beans legumes?
Yes, French Beans belong to the legume family, just like lentils and chickpeas. However, they are eaten fresh rather than dried, which gives them their tender texture and mild taste.
How to steam French Beans?
To steam them, place trimmed beans in a steamer basket over boiling water for 3–4 minutes. They should remain bright green and slightly crisp. Oversteaming can make them mushy.
Can guinea pigs eat French beans?
Yes, guinea pigs can safely eat French beans in small amounts. They are low in sugar and rich in fiber, making them a healthy occasional treat.
Can you freeze fresh French Beans?
Absolutely. Blanch the beans for 2 minutes in boiling water, cool them in ice water, drain, and store in airtight bags. This preserves both flavor and nutrients.
How to cook French Bean?
There are many ways to cook them — stir-fry, steam, boil, or roast. At Shalimar Phuket, our chefs prefer a quick stir-fry with garlic and soy sauce to highlight their natural crunch.
Conclusion
French beans may be simple, but in the hands of our skilled chefs at Shalimar Phuket, they become something extraordinary. Their delicate texture, subtle sweetness, and impressive nutritional profile make them an essential part of both Thai and international cuisine.
Whether you’re savoring a light stir-fry at our restaurant or recreating one of our dishes at home, this humble vegetable will always deliver freshness, health, and harmony on your plate. For more culinary inspiration, visit our restaurant in Phuket — where every ingredient tells a delicious story.