Go Back
For this dish, you need 1 pound of fresh green beans. Trim the ends and rinse them well. Fresh green beans are crisp and bright, perfect for this recipe. They bring a nice crunch and vibrant color to your plate. - 3 tablespoons sesame oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup - Salt and pepper to taste Sesame oil gives the dish its rich flavor. The minced garlic adds a sharp kick. Low sodium soy sauce keeps the dish tasty without too much salt. Rice vinegar adds a touch of tang, while honey or agave syrup balances the flavors. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper! - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted) - 2 green onions, sliced for garnish Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch. Sliced green onions give a fresh pop of color and flavor. These garnishes make the dish look and taste even better. For the full recipe, check the details above. Start with fresh green beans. Rinse them well under cold water. Trim the ends off each bean. This keeps them tender and neat. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once boiling, drop in the green beans. Blanch them for about 3-4 minutes. This helps them stay bright green. After blanching, quickly drain the beans. Plunge them into an ice bath for 2-3 minutes. This stops the cooking and keeps the crunch. Drain again and set the beans aside. Now let’s get to the garlic. In a big skillet or wok, pour in the sesame oil. Heat the oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds. Watch it carefully; burnt garlic tastes bitter. You want it fragrant and golden, not brown. Next, add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss them with the garlic in the hot oil. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes to mix the flavors. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Pour this mixture over the green beans. Keep sautéing for another 2 minutes. This helps the beans soak up all the tasty sauce. Finally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything one last toss. Serve the green beans hot. They are perfect for any meal. For the full recipe, check out the section above. Blanching the green beans is key for a bright color and crisp bite. Start by boiling salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the green beans. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them bright green but still crunchy. After blanching, quickly move them to an ice bath. This stops the cooking and keeps them vibrant. To boost the flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice. This adds brightness and balances the richness of sesame oil. You can also mix in some red pepper flakes for heat. If you like crunch, toss in chopped nuts like cashews or almonds. They add texture and flavor. Serve your sesame garlic green beans in a colorful bowl. Drizzle a little extra sesame oil on top for shine. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nice touch. For a pop of color, finish with sliced green onions. This makes the dish look fresh and inviting. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. {{image_2}} You can boost the nutrition in your sesame garlic green beans. Try adding sliced carrots or bell peppers. These veggies add color and crunch. You could also mix in some cooked quinoa or brown rice for extra fiber. Nuts like slivered almonds or chopped cashews bring healthy fats. They also add a nice crunch to the dish. If you like heat, turn up the spice! Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the garlic while cooking. Start with a small amount, then taste it. You can always add more for extra kick! For a different heat, try diced jalapeños. They give a fresh flavor along with the spice. This twist makes the dish even more exciting. This recipe is easy to make vegan! Just swap honey for agave syrup or maple syrup. It keeps the sweetness without animal products. Make sure to check your soy sauce. Some brands are vegan, while others may not be. You can also use liquid aminos for a soy-free option. These small changes keep the flavor while meeting dietary needs. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. Once you finish your meal, let the green beans cool. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and tasty. When ready to eat, you can enjoy them cold or warm. To reheat, you can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water. Heat over medium-low until warm. This helps keep the green beans tender. If using a microwave, cover the beans and heat in short bursts. Stir between bursts to prevent overheating. You can freeze these green beans, but they may change texture. Start by blanching them as in the full recipe. After cooling, place them in freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to use them, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen green beans. They are usually blanched before freezing. This means they will cook faster than fresh beans. To use them, skip the blanching step. Just sauté them straight in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until heated through and tender. If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil or avocado oil. Both oils have a mild taste. You can also mix in a bit of peanut oil for a nutty flavor. However, keep in mind that sesame oil adds a unique taste to the dish. To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that tastes great. Always check the labels of your other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious meal without worries. For the complete cooking steps, refer to the Full Recipe. In this article, we explored how to make tasty green beans. We covered fresh ingredients, spices, and garnishes. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking. Tips on blanching and flavor-boosting techniques helped enhance your dish. Adaptations for nutrition and dietary needs, plus storage tips, expanded your options. Remember, cooking green beans can be quick and fun! Use this guide to impress your family or friends with a healthy side. Enjoy your cooking journey and get creative with flavors!

Sesame Garlic Green Beans

Elevate your side dish game with these delicious Sesame Garlic Green Beans! This quick and easy recipe combines fresh green beans, savory sesame oil, and aromatic garlic to create a mouthwatering dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant and healthy addition to your dinner table. Click to explore this recipe and bring a burst of flavor to your next meal!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

3 tablespoons sesame oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by preparing the green beans. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the trimmed green beans. Blanch for about 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.

    Drain the green beans and immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Leave them in the ice bath for 2-3 minutes, then drain and set aside.

      In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

        Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, tossing them with the garlic. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the beans to absorb the sesame oil and garlic flavor.

          In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey (or agave syrup). Pour this mixture over the green beans and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

            Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the green beans, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last toss.

              Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the green beans in a vibrant bowl, drizzled with a little extra sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for an appealing finish.