Blistered Green Bean Rice Bowl

This easy and tasty blistered green bean rice bowl with spicy chili crisp and saucy soft-boiled egg is the perfect meal for a hectic week.

The post Blistered Green Bean Rice Bowl appeared first on Budget Bytes.

This easy and tasty blistered green bean rice bowl with spicy chili crisp and saucy soft-boiled egg is the perfect meal for a hectic week. It comes together effortlessly in about thirty minutes and it’s an absolute breeze to meal prep. Plus the combination of blistered green beans and smoky chili crisp is so good, you’ll end up craving it!

What You’ll Need

The beauty of this blistered green bean rice bowl recipe is that you can substitute any ingredient with what you have on hand. You’re literally a half hour away from what’s sure to become one of your favorite weeknight meals!

  • Chili Crisp– this oil-based Chinese condiment is brimming with spicy and crunchy ingredients like fried garlic, scallions, Sichuan peppercorns, and chiles. A few teaspoons add texture and smoky heat, but more importantly, make the blandest ingredients lip-smackingly good. Substitute it with your favorite hot sauce.
  • Rice – Any kind of rice will do, just make sure to adjust the liquid ratio and cook time. You can substitute the rice with your favorite whole grain or cauliflower rice. Just follow the cooking directions on the package.
  • Green Beans – are a perfect vehicle for chili crisp and add texture and a wallop of nutrition. Substitute green beans with asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, or chickpeas. If you don’t mind losing out on texture, substitute the green beans with wilted kale, spinach, sliced peppers, or mushrooms.
  • Cooking Oil– Oil helps flavor green beans by blistering them quickly and creating char. Use your favorite cooking oil, but steer clear of olive oil and butter; you need a fat that can withstand high heat without burning. 
  • Eggs – Feel free to make the egg however you prefer but keep in mind that a soft-boiled egg’s yolk helps create a sauce. Check out our tutorial on How To Make Perfect Soft-Boiled Eggs. If you want to hard-boil the egg or skip it altogether, add a little butter to the rice to prevent a dry bite.

How To Meal Prep Blistered Green Bean Rice Bowls

Blistered green bean rice bowls meal prep beautifully because there are just a few ingredients and only a handful of steps. This recipe is for two servings, so if you want to make enough for the week, double or triple it. Simply portion the rice in an airtight container, top it with green beans, add the egg, and then season with chili crisp.

How To Store Leftovers

You can refrigerate leftovers for up to two days in an airtight container. To reheat, sprinkle the rice with 1/4 teaspoon of water, and microwave it until steaming. Though the rice and green beans both freeze well, I don’t recommend freezing soft-boiled eggs.

How To Cook Rice

Cooking rice is ridiculously easy if you keep these 5 tips in mind:

Know the type of rice you’re cooking. The ratio of rice to liquid changes with the kind of rice you use, as does the time it cooks. The below ratios make for a toothier, looser grain. If you prefer softer rice, increase the liquid by a half cup.

  • Short Grain Rice: 1 cup rice  1 cup liquid – cook 18 minutes
  • Medium & Long Grain Rice: 1 cup rice – 1 1/3 cups liquid – cook 15 minutes
  • Brown rice: Boil it like pasta (in lots of water until al dente ) for 30 minutes, strain all of the water out, cover the pot, and let the rice rest in it for 10 minutes

Wash the rice. Cleaning the grains under cool running water until the water runs clear eliminates the starches that give you a gloppy result.

Bring the water to a boil before you add it to the rice. It keeps your timing on point.

Low and slow is the way. When the rice comes to a boil, lower the heat. Making rice at a boil makes the grains burst, leaving you with a starchy mess.

Keep it covered. Lifting the lid releases steam, increasing cooking time and ruining the texture. Once the rice is done, rest it for 10 minutes before uncovering it.

Blistered green bean rice bowl with a black fork in it.
Blistered green bean rice bowl.
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Blistered Green Bean Rice Bowl

This easy and tasty blistered green bean rice bowl with spicy chili crisp and saucy soft-boiled egg is the perfect meal for a hectic week.
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American, Asian
Total Cost ($3.42 recipe / $1.71 serving)
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 2 bowls
Calories 665kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 1/3 cup water $0.00
  • 1 cup long grain rice, rinsed until the water runs clear $0.30
  • 2 Tbsp salted butter $0.30
  • 2 Tbsp cooking oil $0.08
  • 8 oz fresh green beans, trimmed, rinsed, and dried $1.99
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.01
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper $0.01
  • 2 eggs $0.53
  • 2 tsp chili crisp $0.20

Instructions

  • In a small heavy-bottomed pot set over medium high heat, bring the water to a boil. Then add the rice and the butter.
  • Once the water returns to a boil and steam vents begin to appear on the surface of the rice, cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Do not uncover the rice as it simmers.
  • While the rice cooks, soft boil two eggs in a small pot. Bring an inch of water to a boil, add the eggs straight from the fridge, lower the heat, cover the pot, and simmer the eggs for 6 minutes. Remove the eggs from the hot water and run them under cold water to stop them from cooking any further.
  • Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and then the green beans. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the green beans, give the beans a few good stirs, then let them brown on one side without moving, about 4 to 5 minutes. Once browned remove them from the heat, and set aside.
  • When the rice is done, take it off the heat and let it sit, covered, for ten additional minutes. Then uncover it and fluff it.
  • To serve, divide the rice between two bowls. Top each mound of rice with half the blistered green beans and half the chili crisp. Peel the eggs, slice them down the middle lengthwise, and garnish each bowl with an egg. Enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowl | Calories: 665kcal | Carbohydrates: 83g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 30g | Sodium: 530mg | Fiber: 4g

How to Make Blistered Green Bean Rice Bowl- Step by Step Photos

In a small heavy-bottomed pot set over medium-high heat, bring the 1 1/3 cups of water to a boil. Then add 1 cup of rice and 2 tablespoons of butter.

Once the water returns to a boil and steam vents begin to appear on the surface of the rice, cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for fifteen minutes. Do not uncover the rice as it simmers.

While the rice cooks, soft boil two eggs in a small pot. Bring an inch of water to a boil, add the eggs straight from the fridge, lower the heat, cover the pot, and simmer the eggs for 6 minutes. Remove the eggs from the hot water and run them under cold water to stop them from cooking any further.

Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of oil and 8 ounces of green beans. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper over the green beans, give the beans a few good stirs, then let them brown on one side for about 4 to 5 minutes without moving them. Once browned, remove them from the heat, and set aside.

Overhead shot of rice in a pot.

When the rice is done, take it off the heat and let it sit, covered, for ten additional minutes. Then uncover it and fluff it.

To serve, divide the rice between two bowls. Top each mound of rice with half of the blistered green beans and chili crisp. Peel the eggs, slice them down the middle lengthwise, and garnish each bowl with an egg. Dig in!

More Easy Rice Bowls

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Easy Dumpling Soup

Easy Dumpling Soup is the perfect quick lunch or dinner because it’s endlessly versatile, insanely budget-friendly, and can be made in 15 minutes.

The post Easy Dumpling Soup appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Easy Dumpling Soup is one of my absolute favorite things to throw together if I want a quick-and-simple homemade lunch or an effortless dinner that’s still wholesome, comforting, and budget-friendly. I’ve designed this recipe to be as versatile as possible, dressing up mostly store-bought ingredients, in order to scratch that “itch” for whatever takeout favorite I’m craving when ordering out isn’t on the menu.

A large white bowl filled with dumpling soup and surrounded by a small bowl of white sesame seeds, an open jar of chili crisp and an orange decorative towel.

What is dumpling soup?

Our version of dumpling soup is a quick, semi-homemade soup inspired by dumpling soups found in Chinese, Korean and Japanese cuisines. The soup features a savory clear broth, delicate meat-filled dumplings, fresh greens, and an array of condiments to sprinkle on top. Here’s what you need for this Easy Dumpling Soup:

  • Frozen dumplings — You can find Asian-style dumplings in the freezer section, usually filled with pork, vegetables, shrimp, or a combination of those ingredients.
  • Broth — We fortified our vegetable broth with soy sauce and toasted sesame oil!
  • A handful of fresh greens — like sliced green onions, fresh spinach, or baby bok choy
  • Condiments — Use anything your heart desires! Try chili crisp, sesame seeds, black vinegar, cilantro, and more!

Is this an authentic recipe?

No, this is not an authentic dumpling soup, but we highly encourage you to read more about the wide variety and rich culture surrounding dumplings. Also, check out these recipes for authentic Chinese potstickers and Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), Korean mandu, and Japanese gyoza.

What kind of dumplings to buy

Most grocery stores offer a variety of frozen dumplings options of different sizes, shapes, and fillings (usually pork, vegetable, shrimp, or a combination of those flavors)—and any type of frozen dumpling will work for this recipe. If you’re operating on an extra-tight budget, visiting an Asian grocery store is a great place to find a wider selection, larger quantities, and even lower prices.

How to know the dumplings are fully cooked:

Frozen dumplings are usually on the smaller side, so they cook quickly when added to boiling broth. However, since our suggested cook time is only based on the handful of brands we’ve tried (and there are so many others!), I highly recommend consulting the package directions on your dumplings to ensure you are cooking them long enough—as well as checking the suggested serving size to make sure you are preparing enough for two people.

Are the leftovers ANY good?

I would not recommend saving these leftovers. As it sits, the dumplings will keep soaking up the broth until they bloat and then fall apart. Instead, just make the amount you think you will eat, which is why I’ve developed the recipe for two servings rather than four. Since it comes together so quickly, it wouldn’t be the end of the world if you decided to make it twice in one night! 

A close up view of dumpling soup in a white bowl topped with white sesame seeds and chili crisp.

Take your Dumpling Soup to the next level

Some great flavor and topping additions for this soup are: 

  • Cubed tofu, cooked chicken, or another prepared protein
  • Mushrooms, or other fresh or frozen vegetables
  • Half of a hard-boiled egg
  • Fish sauce
  • Kimchi
  • Cilantro
  • Mirin 
  • Rice Vinegar or Lime Juice
  • Miso paste
  • A prepared sauce like Scheuzan chili oil, chili garlic sauce, sriracha, teriyaki sauce, or a prepared “dumpling sauce”
  • Sesame seeds, crushed nori, or a store-bought Furikake blend

My go-to Topping combinations

Plan to add any extra condiments and toppings directly to each serving bowl, so each person can mix and match them to suit their tastes. My go-to topping combinations are (per bowl): 

  • 1 Tbsp kimchi + handful of torn cilantro 
  • ¼ tsp Szechuan chili oil + hardboiled egg 
  • Sliced mushrooms + nori + sesame seeds
A close up view of dumpling soup in a white bowl topped with white sesame seeds and chili crisp.
Print

Easy Dumpling Soup

Easy Dumpling Soup is the perfect quick dinner because it’s endlessly versatile, insanely budget-friendly, and can be made in 15 minutes.
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Asian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean
Total Cost $2.98 RECIPE / $1.49 SERVING
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 bowls
Calories 290kcal

Ingredients

  • 10 frozen dumplings* $2.00
  • 2 cups vegetable broth** $0.24
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce $0.06
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil $0.06
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated $0.11
  • 1/2 cup fresh spinach*** $0.15

Garnishes, optional

Instructions

  • Combine the vegetable broth, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and the white parts of a sliced green onion in a medium-sized pot. (If using, also add the fish sauce, pre-cooked proteins or tofu, and any fresh or frozen vegetables that need time to soften.)
  • Bring the broth up to a boil on medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the dumplings.
  • Cover the pot and allow the soup to come back up to a boil. Boil the dumplings for about 2 minutes or until they are cooked through. (Consult package directions.)
  • Turn off the heat and stir in the green parts of the sliced green onion and a handful of spinach.
  • Split the soup into 2 serving bowls and top with any desired condiments.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*You can use any flavor (pork, vegetable, chicken, etc.), but I prefer ones with pork and vegetables.
**We use Better Than Bouillon mixed to make all of our broths. If substituted with a low-sodium broth, the final dish may need more salt. 
***or baby bok choy

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowl of soup | Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 9g | Sodium: 1809mg | Fiber: 3g
A single dumpling parcel on a black spoon raised above a large white bowl filled with dumpling soup topped with white sesame seeds and red chili crisp and an orange decorative towel.

How to Make easy dumpling soup – Step by Step Photos

A measuring cup of soup is poured into a small saucepan containing soy sauce, toasted sesame oil and the white parts of a green onion.

In a medium-sized pot, combine 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 Tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil, and the white parts of a thinly sliced green onion (set the green parts aside for garnish), and cook over medium-high heat. You should also add the fish sauce now, if using — as well as any other extra ingredients that require some cooking time, like leftover cooked proteins from the fridge, tofu, mushrooms, or any other fresh or frozen vegetables that need time to soften.

Frozen dumplings in a white bowl being poured into a pot of boiling broth.

Bring the broth up to a boil on medium-high heat. Once boiling, add 10 frozen dumplings. Cover and allow the soup to come back up to a boil. Boil the dumplings for about 2 minutes or until they are cooked through. (Check out the suggested cooking time on your dumpling packaging to insure this will be enough time to cook them all the way through — at the same time, also check the nutrition label to make sure you add the correct amount for two servings.)

A pile of fresh spinach sitting on top of a pot full of warm dumpling soup.

Turn off the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of fresh spinach and the reserved green onion slices.

A medium-sized pot of finished dumpling soup.

Split the soup into two serving bowls and top each bowl with your desired garnishes. We chose to sprinkle ours with a few sesame seeds and a heaping spoonful of Sichuan Chili Crisp!

A close up view of dumpling soup in a white bowl topped with white sesame seeds and chili crisp.

GET IN MY BELLY!

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