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- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 green onion, thinly sliced - Salt Fresh green beans bring a crisp and bright flavor. Garlic adds depth and aroma. Sesame oil gives a nutty taste that enhances the dish. Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami. Toasted sesame seeds finish with a delightful crunch. You can spice things up with red pepper flakes. Olive oil gives a nice base for sautéing the beans. The green onion adds fresh color and a mild bite. Salt rounds out all the flavors, ensuring each bite is satisfying. Using these ingredients makes the dish easy and fun. You can play with flavors and adjust to your taste. This dish offers a delightful mix of crunch and flavor. Enjoy the process of making this simple yet delicious side! {{ingredient_image_2}} - First, bring a large pot of water to a boil. - Add a generous pinch of salt. - Carefully add 1 pound of trimmed green beans. - Blanch the beans for about 3 minutes. - They should turn bright green and be just tender. - Drain the beans and plunge them into ice water. - This stops the cooking and keeps their color. - After chilling, drain them again and set aside. - In a small bowl, combine 4 cloves of minced garlic. - Add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. - If you like spice, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. - Stir the mixture well to blend the flavors. - Set the bowl aside for later use. - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. - Use medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. - Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. - Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring as you go. - Aim for a slight caramelization while they stay crisp-tender. - Pour the prepared garlic and sesame sauce over the beans. - Stir everything well and cook for an additional 2 minutes. - Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds on top. - Gently toss to coat the beans evenly. - Taste and adjust the salt as needed. - Transfer the green beans to a serving dish. - Garnish with thinly sliced green onions for freshness. To get green beans just right, avoid overcooking. Overcooked beans turn mushy and lose flavor. Blanch them for only three minutes. This keeps them bright and crunchy. After blanching, cool them in ice water. This halts cooking. It also helps keep their vibrant color. For crisp-tender green beans, sauté them for three to four minutes. You want them to caramelize slightly. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. This method makes them tasty and adds a nice texture. You can use other oils for different tastes. Try avocado oil for a buttery flavor. It works well with the garlic too. You can also mix in some citrus zest for brightness. Lemon or lime zest adds a fresh twist. Customizing seasonings is fun. Add more red pepper flakes for heat. If you want a sweeter taste, mix in a touch of honey. Adjust the soy sauce to your liking. This way, you can make the dish your own. For a stunning presentation, serve the beans in a bright bowl. The green color pops against white dishes. Sprinkle extra sesame seeds on top for crunch and flair. You can also add a few slices of lime. This adds a nice touch of color. Use a shallow dish to showcase the beans. It allows for a beautiful display. Garnish with green onions just before serving. This adds freshness and makes the dish even more appealing. Pro Tips Blanching Technique: To ensure the green beans maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, be sure to plunge them into ice water immediately after blanching. This process, known as shocking, halts the cooking and locks in their bright green hue. Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, start with half the amount of red pepper flakes and adjust according to your taste. Remember, you can always add more spice, but it’s hard to take it out once it’s in! Even Cooking: When sautéing the green beans, ensure they are spread out evenly in the skillet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than sautéing, preventing that delightful crispy texture. Serving Suggestions: For a complete meal, serve these green beans alongside grilled chicken or tofu. They also make a great addition to a grain bowl or as a side dish for any Asian-inspired meal. {{image_4}} You can enhance your sesame garlic green beans by adding proteins. Chicken or shrimp make great choices. Just cook them in the skillet first, then add the green beans. For a vegetarian option, try using tofu. Cube the tofu and sauté it until golden. Then, mix it with the green beans. This adds protein and makes your meal more filling. You can easily change the flavor profile of this dish. Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or hoisin. These sauces bring unique tastes that pair well with green beans. You can also add nuts for extra crunch. Toasted almonds or cashews work well. They add texture and a nutty flavor that balances the garlic and sesame. Adjusting the spice level is simple. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. You can also include fresh chili peppers for a different kick. Another option is to use sriracha or chili garlic sauce. These will spice up your dish and give it a bold flavor. Just remember to start small and taste as you go to find your perfect heat. To keep your sesame garlic green beans fresh, store them in the fridge. Use airtight containers to prevent moisture loss and flavor fading. If you have extra sauce, store it separately to keep the beans crisp. Aim to eat leftovers within three days for the best taste. When reheating, avoid the microwave. It can make the beans soggy. Instead, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil to help steam them lightly. Heat for about five minutes, stirring gently until warm. This method helps keep the beans crunchy. You can freeze sesame garlic green beans. First, blanch them briefly in boiling water. Then, cool them in ice water and drain. Place the beans in freezer bags, remove air, and seal tightly. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight or use the microwave on low. Fresh green beans last about 5 to 7 days in the fridge. Keep them in a plastic bag or container. Check for signs of spoilage, like soft spots or a slimy texture. If they look dull or wilted, it is best to throw them out. Yes, you can use frozen green beans! They are convenient and save time. You should adjust the cooking time. Sauté them around 5 to 7 minutes longer than fresh green beans. They may have a softer texture, but they will still taste great. Sesame garlic green beans match well with many dishes. They pair nicely with rice, grilled chicken, or fish. Consider serving them alongside stir-fried tofu for a vegetarian option. These beans also work well with Asian-inspired meals, like teriyaki or sesame chicken. In summary, making Sesame Garlic Green Beans is simple and fun. You start with fresh green beans and a flavorful sauce. Cooking them just right gives you a great texture. Add some protein or spice to make it your own. Remember to store leftovers properly and enjoy them later. Aim for balance in flavor and presentation. This dish fits well with many meals. Try it out and see how tasty green beans can be.

Crunchy Sesame Garlic Green Beans

A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring fresh green beans sautéed with garlic and sesame.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Blanch the Green Beans: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water, then carefully add the trimmed green beans. Blanch the beans for approximately 3 minutes, or until they turn a vibrant green and are just tender. Once done, drain the beans and immediately plunge them into a bowl filled with ice water. This will halt the cooking process and help retain their color. After the beans have chilled, drain them again and set aside.
  • Prepare the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes (if you're using them for a touch of heat). Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the flavors meld, then set the bowl aside for later.
  • Sauté the Green Beans: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans develop a slight caramelization and are crisp-tender.
  • Add the Sauce: Pour your prepared garlic and sesame sauce over the sautéed green beans in the skillet. Stir everything together well, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to help the flavors combine beautifully.
  • Finish with Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the green beans and gently toss to ensure they are evenly coated. Taste the dish and season with salt as desired, adjusting to your preference.
  • Garnish and Serve: Carefully transfer the sesame garlic green beans to a serving dish. For an added touch of freshness and color, garnish with the thinly sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Serve in a vibrant bowl for an appealing presentation.
Keyword garlic, green beans, sesame, vegetable