Prepare to transform your ordinary green bean side dish into a culinary masterpiece that combines crisp vegetables, crunchy water chestnuts, and toasted almonds! This sensational recipe is not just another vegetable dish – it's a flavor explosion that will elevate your dinner table from mundane to magnificent. With a perfect balance of textures and a delightful hint of soy sauce, these green beans will have your family and guests begging for the recipe.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can (8 oz) sliced water chestnuts, drained
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly under cold running water. Trim the ends of the beans and cut them into uniform 2-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Open the can of water chestnuts and drain them completely in a colander. Pat the water chestnuts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Place a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely, swirling the pan to coat the bottom evenly.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet. Sauté the beans, stirring frequently, for approximately 5-7 minutes until they become bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add the drained and dried water chestnuts to the skillet. Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, tossing the ingredients together.
- Sprinkle the slivered almonds into the skillet. Toast them lightly with the green beans and water chestnuts, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Drizzle the soy sauce over the vegetables and nuts. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Remove the skillet from heat when the green beans are tender-crisp, the water chestnuts are heated through, and the almonds are lightly golden.
- Transfer the green bean mixture to a serving dish. Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional almonds if desired.
Tips
- Choose fresh, vibrant green beans with no blemishes or soft spots for the best texture and flavor.
- Make sure to dry water chestnuts thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that could make your dish soggy.
- Use a wide skillet to ensure even cooking and proper toasting of almonds.
- Keep the heat at medium-high and stir frequently to prevent burning and achieve that perfect crisp-tender green bean texture.
- Toast almonds carefully – they can burn quickly, so keep them moving in the pan.
- Season gradually and taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance of salt and soy sauce.
- Serve immediately after cooking to maintain the crisp texture of the beans and the golden crunch of the almonds.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 145kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
