WW Beer-Battered Crispy Fried Green Beans with Sriracha Dipping Sauce

Introduction

Welcome to our extensive guide on crafting the perfect WW Beer-Battered Crispy Fried Green Beans with Sriracha Dipping Sauce. This recipe combines the crunch of golden-battered green beans with a spicy kick from a zesty dipping sauce, all while being mindful of Weight Watchers (WW) SmartPoints. Designed to be a satisfying appetizer or snack, this dish brings together the comforting flavors of fried foods with a healthier twist, making it suitable for those who are tracking their SmartPoints and seeking a flavorful treat. This detailed guide includes step-by-step instructions, nutritional information, and tips to ensure your green beans turn out perfectly crispy and delicious.

Ingredients

For the Beer-Battered Green Beans:

  • Fresh Green Beans: 1 pound (450 grams), trimmed and rinsed
  • All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (120 grams)
  • Cornstarch: 1/4 cup (30 grams)
  • Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon (4 grams)
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon (6 grams), or to taste
  • Ground Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram), or to taste
  • Beer: 1 cup (240 milliliters), preferably a light beer or non-alcoholic beer for fewer SmartPoints
  • Vegetable Oil: For frying, approximately 2 cups (480 milliliters)

For the Sriracha Dipping Sauce:

  • Low-Fat Greek Yogurt: 1/2 cup (120 milliliters)
  • Sriracha Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters), or to taste
  • Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters), freshly squeezed
  • Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon (1 gram)
  • Honey: 1 teaspoon (7 grams), optional for a touch of sweetness
  • Salt: A pinch, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Green Beans:
    • Rinse the fresh green beans under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Trim the ends to ensure uniform cooking. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Battering Station:
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and ground black pepper. This mixture will form the base of your batter.
    • Gradually pour in the beer while whisking continuously to ensure a smooth and lump-free batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the green beans without dripping excessively.
  3. Heat the Oil:
    • In a deep frying pan or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough oil to submerge the green beans. Use a kitchen thermometer to heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial for achieving crispy results.
  4. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
    • While the oil heats, prepare the Sriracha dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the low-fat Greek yogurt, Sriracha sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, and honey if using. Mix well until smooth. Adjust the Sriracha to your preferred level of spiciness. Season with a pinch of salt if desired.
  5. Coat the Green Beans:
    • Working in batches, dip the green beans into the beer batter, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before carefully placing them into the hot oil.
  6. Fry the Green Beans:
    • Fry the green beans in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried green beans to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  7. Serve the Dish:
    • Serve the crispy beer-battered green beans hot, alongside the Sriracha dipping sauce. Garnish with additional lime wedges or fresh herbs if desired.
  8. Cool and Store Leftovers:
    • If you have leftovers, allow the green beans to cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to regain some crispiness before serving.

Nutritional Information

  • Serving Size: 6 green beans (approximately 100 grams)
  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 6 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 1 gram
  • Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
  • Sodium: 220 milligrams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 16 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 3 grams
  • Sugars: 3 grams
  • Protein: 3 grams

WW SmartPoints

  • Per Serving (6 green beans/100 grams): 4 SmartPoints (based on the WW Freestyle and myWW Blue plans)

Additional Tips

  • Choosing Beer: Opt for a light beer or a non-alcoholic beer to keep the SmartPoints low. If you prefer, you can use sparkling water or club soda as a substitute for beer for a lighter batter.
  • Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil is too cool, the green beans will absorb excess oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the batter might burn before the beans are cooked through.
  • Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick enough to adhere to the green beans but not too thick. Adjust with more flour or beer if necessary to achieve the right consistency.
  • Frying Tips: To ensure crispy green beans, do not overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches and keep the temperature consistent. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature regularly.
  • Healthier Alternatives: For a healthier twist, you can bake the battered green beans instead of frying. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
  • Dipping Sauce Variations: Experiment with the Sriracha dipping sauce by adding other ingredients such as minced ginger or chopped cilantro for additional flavor. You can also use different hot sauces or spices according to your taste preferences.
  • Presentation: Serve the crispy green beans on a platter lined with parchment paper to absorb any excess oil. Add a small bowl of Sriracha dipping sauce in the center for easy dipping.

Conclusion

Our WW Beer-Battered Crispy Fried Green Beans with Sriracha Dipping Sauce offer a delectable combination of crunchy texture and spicy flavor while keeping within Weight Watchers guidelines. With this detailed recipe, you can create a dish that is both satisfying and aligned with your health goals. Enjoy this delightful snack or appetizer at your next gathering, and savor the crispy, flavorful experience knowing it supports your dietary needs and culinary creativity.