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- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted) - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish) - 1 teaspoon ginger, minced - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - Additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots - Large pot for blanching - Bowl for ice water - Large skillet for sautéing - Mixing bowl for sauce - Cutting board and knife - Slotted spoon for draining Gathering these ingredients is easy. Fresh green beans are key for that crunchy texture. Minced garlic gives a strong, tasty punch. Sesame oil adds a rich flavor that pairs well with green beans. Soy sauce brings a touch of saltiness. Don't forget the toasted sesame seeds; they add a nutty finish. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. For tools, a large pot, a skillet, and a mixing bowl are all you need. These simple items make cooking fun and easy. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with one pound of fresh green beans. Trim the ends to remove tough parts. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the green beans. Blanch them for about three minutes. They should turn bright green and be slightly tender. Drain the beans and quickly place them in a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking. After a minute, drain the beans again and set them aside. In a small bowl, gather four cloves of minced garlic. Add two tablespoons of sesame oil and one tablespoon of soy sauce. If you like some heat, add one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Mix it all well and set this tasty sauce aside. The garlic and sesame oil create a rich flavor. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the blanched green beans. Sauté them for about three to four minutes. You want them to be slightly caramelized and crisp-tender. Next, pour the garlic-sesame sauce over the green beans. Stir well to mix everything. Cook for an additional two minutes to blend the flavors. Finally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top. Stir to coat the beans evenly. Season with salt to taste. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. To get crisp green beans, start by blanching them. Boil salted water and add the trimmed beans. Cook them for three minutes. This keeps their bright green color and crunch. After blanching, place the beans in ice water. This stops the cooking and keeps them firm. When you sauté, cook on medium-high heat. This helps the beans caramelize and stay crisp. You can change some ingredients to fit your taste. Instead of sesame oil, try olive oil for a lighter flavor. If you don’t have soy sauce, use tamari for a gluten-free option. For a milder garlic taste, use less garlic or try garlic powder. You can skip red pepper flakes if you prefer no heat. To boost flavor, add lemon juice for a fresh twist. You can also mix in ginger for a zing. Try adding other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas. For a nutty taste, toss in some chopped nuts like almonds. Finish with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for extra color and flavor. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Beans: Look for bright green, firm green beans with no blemishes for the best flavor and texture. Toast Sesame Seeds: Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until golden to enhance their flavor. Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. Perfect Sautéing: Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the green beans to achieve a nice caramelization without steaming. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to this dish. Cooked chicken or tofu works great. For chicken, slice it thinly and sauté it before adding the green beans. If using tofu, press it to remove water, then cube it. Sauté the tofu until it is golden. Then, mix it with the green beans when you add the sauce. This recipe is already vegetarian. To make it vegan, just ensure your soy sauce is vegan. You can also use coconut aminos if you prefer a sweeter taste. It works well with the sesame flavor. Try different seasonings to switch things up. Add ginger for a fresh kick. You can also use lime juice instead of soy sauce for a zesty twist. Top with crushed peanuts or cashews for extra crunch. If you like heat, sprinkle more red pepper flakes on top. Each change gives a new flavor, making this dish more exciting! Store your leftover sesame garlic green beans in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. To keep them crisp, avoid stacking them too high to prevent squishing. When you're ready to eat, just take out what you need. If you want to freeze these green beans, use a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to let them cool completely before packing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight or use the microwave for a quick thaw. Reheat your green beans in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or a little olive oil to keep them moist. Stir often for even warming. You can also use the microwave; just cover them to avoid drying out. Enjoy them warm for the best taste! Yes, you can use frozen green beans. They are quick and easy to prepare. Just make sure to thaw them first. Blanching is still a good idea. This helps keep them bright and crisp. To add heat, use red pepper flakes. You can also add fresh chili or sriracha. Start with a little, then taste. Adjust until it suits your spice level. These green beans go great with rice or quinoa. They also pair nicely with grilled chicken or fish. Try them alongside stir-fried tofu for a tasty vegetarian meal. To make this dish gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari. Tamari is a great gluten-free option. Check labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this meal. In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious Sesame Garlic Green Beans. You learned the key ingredients, tools, and steps needed. We shared tips for crisp beans and flavor choices, plus ideas for adding protein. We also looked at storage options to keep your dish fresh. Overall, this recipe offers great flexibility and taste for everyone. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Crunchy Sesame Garlic Green Beans

A delicious and healthy side dish featuring fresh green beans sautéed with garlic and sesame flavors.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for about 3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
  • Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well and set aside.
  • Sauté the green beans: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the blanched green beans. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are slightly caramelized and crisp-tender.
  • Add the sauce: Pour the garlic and sesame mixture over the green beans in the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Finish with sesame seeds: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the green beans and stir to coat evenly. Season with salt to taste.
  • Garnish and serve: Transfer the green beans to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions.

Notes

For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes.
Keyword garlic, green beans, sesame, vegetarian