
Stir-fried hyacinth beans with garlic is a simple, savory Chinese home-style dish featuring tender hyacinth beans (also known as lablab beans or Indian beans) quickly cooked with aromatic garlic. The beans are typically blanched or stir-fried until just cooked, retaining a slight crunch, and seasoned with salt and sometimes a touch of soy sauce or chili. It's a common vegetable side dish in many Chinese households, especially in northern and eastern regions.
This dish is relatively low in calories and fat, providing a good source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals. A typical serving offers a moderate amount of carbohydrates, primarily from the beans' complex starches and fiber.
| Calories | 85 kcal |
| Protein | 5.5 g |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Fat | 1.5 g |
| Fiber | 4.5 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Folate (B9) | 85 µg |
| Manganese | 0.8 mg |
| Iron | 2.1 mg |
| Magnesium | 45 mg |
| Potassium | 320 mg |
| Vitamin C | 12 mg |
| Vitamin K | 15 µg |
| Phosphorus | 90 mg |
Per 1 cup (150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
Hyacinth beans have been cultivated in Asia for centuries and are valued in traditional Chinese medicine for their potential digestive benefits. Nutritionally, they are an excellent source of folate and manganese, nutrients that support bone health and metabolism.