xThis Asian-style green bean recipe adds extra-flavorful ingredients to elevate your average veggie side dish. Nutty sesame oil, umami-rich soy sauce, a bit of honey and crunchy sesame seeds combine for a complex taste in a dish that’s simple to make.
Use frozen green beans, fresh garlic and pantry items for this delicious and easy vegetable dish.
Ingredients for Asian Green Beans
- Sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil not only provides the cooking fat but a lot of flavor.
- Green beans: Frozen green beans cook up faster than fresh.
- Garlic: A minced clove of garlic adds a punch of allium to these Asian green beans.
- Soy sauce: A couple tablespoons of soy sauce add saltiness and umami.
- Honey or sugar: A bit of sweetness balances the salty soy sauce.
- Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of optional crunchy sesame seeds adds texture and another layer of sesame flavor.
Directions
Step 1: Cook green beans
In a large skillet, warm sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the green beans and stir until warm. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce and sugar or honey. Cook until everything is heated through and the sugar dissolves. Serve, sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Asian Green Bean Recipe Variations
- Spice it up: Spice is a perfect complement to this sweet and salty dish. You can accomplish it several different ways: add an Asian-inspired spicy sauce like chili garlic or sriracha hot sauce or use a hot honey.
- Add various vegetables: This sauce will compliment other vegetables that cook well in a skillet. Try frozen broccoli or sugar snap peas.
- Top it off:Â Sesame seeds fit the theme, but garnishing with sliced green onions or crushed peanuts would also be delicious.
How to Store Asian Green Beans
Asian green beans can be stored covered in the refrigerator for three to four days.
How do you reheat Asian green beans?
Gently reheat the green beans in a skillet with a little oil or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if they are too dry.
Asian Green Bean Tips
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
If you have fresh green beans they will work well. Simply cook them as you normally would, then add them to the skillet to heat with the rest of the sauce ingredients.
What are good entrees to serve with Asian green beans?
These green beans would go well with any protein, from salmon to beef or a fried rice dish. Here’s an easy brown sugar-glazed salmon that roasts in the oven while you saute the green beans.
Is there a good substitute for soy sauce?
If you can’t tolerate soy sauce, there are some great alternatives with just as much flavor. Try tamari or coconut aminos.
