Sesame Garlic Green Beans

$- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - Scallions, sliced for garnish The first step to making sesame garlic green beans is gathering the right ingredients. Fresh green beans are the star of this dish. They add a crisp texture and bright flavor. I love using sesame oil, as it gives a wonderful nutty taste. Minced garlic adds depth and aroma. Soy sauce and rice vinegar bring a perfect balance of salty and tangy. Sesame seeds add a delightful crunch. If you like some heat, chili flakes can spice things up. You can adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Finally, don’t forget to garnish with sliced scallions. Having fresh, quality ingredients makes a big difference. You can find these items at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. Enjoy the process of gathering your ingredients, as it sets the stage for a great cooking experience! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Blanching the green beans: Start by boiling a pot of water. Once it’s boiling, add the trimmed green beans. Cook them for 3-4 minutes. They should look bright green and feel tender-crisp. 2. Cooling in ice water: Quickly move the beans to a bowl filled with ice water. This stops the cooking and keeps them bright. Let them cool for a few minutes. After that, drain the beans and pat them dry. 1. Sautéing garlic and green beans: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute. The garlic should smell nice but not burn. 2. Adding soy sauce and seasoning: Next, toss in the blanched green beans. Stir them in the garlic oil for about 2-3 minutes. They need to heat through. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar. If you like heat, add 1 teaspoon of chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors. 1. Garnishing with sesame seeds and scallions: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds over the green beans and gently toss to coat them. For a fresh look, add sliced scallions on top. Serve warm and enjoy this tasty side dish! To get the perfect blanching, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the green beans and let them cook for 3-4 minutes. They should be bright green and tender-crisp. This step helps keep the beans vibrant and firm. After blanching, quickly move the beans to a bowl of ice water. This cools them fast and stops the cooking. Drain and pat them dry before cooking. Balancing flavors is key. Use fresh garlic for a strong taste. Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor. Soy sauce brings saltiness, while rice vinegar adds brightness. Adjust these to suit your taste. If you like heat, add chili flakes, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish. Sesame garlic green beans pair well with many main dishes. They work great with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve them with rice or noodles for a complete meal. For presentation, arrange the green beans in a nice dish. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for crunch. Add scallions for a fresh touch. A colorful plate makes the dish even more inviting. One common mistake is overcooking green beans. They should stay crisp, not mushy. Keep an eye on the time while blanching. Another mistake is burning garlic. Garlic cooks quickly. If it turns brown, it tastes bitter. Cook it just until fragrant, then add the beans. This keeps the garlic's flavor bright and fresh. Pro Tips Blanching Technique: Make sure to plunge the green beans into ice water immediately after blanching to preserve their vibrant color and crunch. Garlic Timing: Avoid overcooking the garlic; it should be just fragrant and not browned for the best flavor. Seasoning Balance: Taste as you go! Adjust the soy sauce and vinegar to achieve the flavor balance you prefer. Garnish for Freshness: Fresh scallions not only add color but also a fresh crunch that elevates the dish. {{image_2}} You can mix things up by using different types of beans. Try snap peas or asparagus for a fresh twist. Edamame beans work well too. They add a unique flavor and fun texture. If you want to change the oil, try olive oil or avocado oil. Both oils add a nice taste. You can also swap soy sauce for tamari for a gluten-free option. Experiment with different seasonings, like ginger or lemon zest, to give your dish a new flavor. Adding protein makes this dish heartier and more filling. You can toss in cooked chicken for a savory touch. Use grilled or shredded chicken for the best results. If you prefer plant-based options, try adding tofu. Firm tofu works best. Cube it and sauté it until golden before adding the green beans. Shrimp is another tasty choice. Just sauté it with the garlic for a quick flavor boost. You can cook these green beans in different ways. Oven-roasting gives them a nice crisp texture. Toss the green beans with oil, garlic, and seasonings. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for about 15 minutes. Stovetop sautéing is faster and keeps them bright green. Just follow the steps in the recipe. Both methods taste great, so choose the one you like best! To keep your sesame garlic green beans fresh, place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate them as soon as they cool down. This helps keep their crispness and taste. When stored properly, they can last up to three days in the fridge. If you want to save them for later, you can freeze the green beans. First, blanch them as per the recipe, then cool and drain. Spread them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. This method helps prevent clumping and keeps them fresh for about three months. When it’s time to eat your leftovers, you’ll want to reheat them without losing flavor. The best way is to use a skillet. Heat a little sesame oil over medium heat. Add the green beans and toss them gently. This way, they warm up nicely while retaining their taste. You can also add a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor. You can microwave them too. Place the green beans in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in short bursts. Stir every 30 seconds until they are warm. How long do sesame garlic green beans last in the fridge? If stored correctly, they can last for about three days. After that, they may lose their texture and flavor. Always check for any off smells or signs of spoilage before eating them. Yes, you can make sesame garlic green beans ahead of time. Cook them as usual, and let them cool down. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat in a pan or microwave. This method keeps the flavor intact. If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil or avocado oil. They both add a nice flavor. However, sesame oil has a unique taste. Try to find toasted sesame oil for a richer flavor, if possible. Yes, sesame garlic green beans are great for meal prep. They hold up well and taste good even after a few days. You can pair them with rice or noodles for a full meal. Just remember to store them in a sealed container to keep them fresh. This dish is already vegetarian and can be easily made vegan. Just use soy sauce that is labeled vegan. This way, you can enjoy the same great flavors without any animal products. Feel free to add extra veggies for more color and nutrients. You now have a complete guide to sesame garlic green beans. We've covered ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. You learned how to enhance flavor and avoid mistakes. Remember, perfect blanching is key, and garnishing makes your dish shine. Explore variations and try adding protein for a full meal. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh for later enjoyment. Enjoy every bite of this vibrant dish. It's easy, tasty, and sure to impress!$

A quick and flavorful dish featuring fresh green beans sautéed with garlic and sesame oil.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
2 tablespoons sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
to taste salt and pepper
to taste scallions, sliced for garnish

Instructions

Begin by blanching the green beans: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the trimmed green beans. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
Immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before draining and patting dry.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, tossing them well in the garlic oil. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are heated through.
Drizzle the soy sauce and rice vinegar over the green beans, tossing to combine. Add chili flakes if desired and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds on top, tossing gently to coat.
Serve warm, garnished with sliced scallions for a fresh finishing touch.

Notes

Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Keyword garlic, green beans, sesame, vegetarian