Imagine a side dish so addictively delicious that it turns ordinary green beans into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. These Asian-inspired Sesame Green Beans are not just a simple vegetable side – they're a flavor explosion that combines the nutty richness of sesame with the crisp-tender perfection of perfectly stir-fried green beans. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's both incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to impress!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry the green beans. Trim off the tough ends by snapping or cutting them, ensuring uniform length.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves, creating small, uniform pieces to distribute flavor evenly.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sesame oil and allow it to warm for about 30 seconds.
- Add minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté quickly for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Add trimmed green beans to the skillet, tossing them to coat evenly with the garlic-infused oil. Spread them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Stir-fry the green beans for 5-7 minutes, tossing occasionally, until they become bright green and develop slight char marks but remain crisp-tender.
- Pour soy sauce over the green beans, continuing to toss and coat them thoroughly for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the green beans, tossing one final time to distribute them evenly.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with additional sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Dry your green beans thoroughly before cooking to ensure they get a perfect char and don't steam instead of stir-fry.
- Use a hot skillet or wok and keep it at medium-high heat to achieve those beautiful slight char marks while maintaining a crisp-tender texture.
- Don't overcrowd the pan – spread the green beans in a single layer to ensure even cooking and optimal caramelization.
- Toast the sesame seeds separately beforehand for an extra nutty flavor boost if you have a few extra minutes.
- For a spicy kick, add a small amount of sriracha or red pepper flakes when adding the soy sauce.
- Use fresh garlic if possible – it makes a significant difference in the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the beans at their absolute best – crisp, hot, and bursting with flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
