Savory Brown Sugar Soy Glazed Green Beans
Elevate your vegetable game with these Savory Brown Sugar Soy Glazed Green Beans! This quick, easy, and delicious side dish is an ideal complement to any main course, whether it be chicken, pork, or beef. The combination of fresh green beans, aromatic ginger, soy sauce, and a hint of brown sugar creates a mouthwatering glaze that adds depth and flavor to your meal. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings, this dish is sure to impress your guests while requiring minimal effort in the kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh green beans
1/2 lb (Rinsed and trimmed)
sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
light soy sauce
2 tablespoons (N/A)
gingerroot
1/2 teaspoon (Peeled and minced)
brown sugar
1 teaspoon (N/A)
lemon juice
1 teaspoon (N/A)
butter
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
Rinse the fresh green beans thoroughly and trim off the ends, leaving them in long lengths to maintain their visual appeal.
2
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the green beans. Blanch them for 4 minutes to achieve a tender-crisp texture.
3
Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl filled with ice water to halt the cooking process and preserve their vibrant green color. Once cooled, drain and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
4
In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, garlic powder, light soy sauce, minced ginger, brown sugar, and lemon juice to create a flavorful glaze.
5
In a sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the blanched green beans to the pan.
6
Pour the prepared sauce over the green beans and sauté for an additional 2 minutes, tossing gently to ensure the beans are evenly coated and heated through. Be sure to shake the pan occasionally to allow the beans to roll and cook evenly.
7
Serve the glazed green beans immediately as a vibrant and tasty side dish, and delight in each flavorful bite!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Brown Sugar Soy Glazed Green Beans?
It is a quick and easy vegetable side dish that combines fresh green beans with a savory-sweet glaze made of soy sauce, ginger, and brown sugar.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 ingredients: fresh green beans, sesame oil, garlic powder, light soy sauce, gingerroot, brown sugar, lemon juice, and butter.
How long should I blanch the green beans?
Blanch the fresh green beans in boiling water for 4 minutes to achieve a tender-crisp texture.
Why do I need an ice water bath for the green beans?
Transferring the beans to ice water immediately halts the cooking process, preserving their vibrant green color and preventing them from becoming mushy.
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
While fresh green beans are recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen; however, you may need to adjust or skip the blanching time.
What type of soy sauce is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce.
How should the gingerroot be prepared?
The gingerroot should be peeled and minced before being added to the sauce mixture.
Is there a substitute for brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup as a sweet alternative for the glaze.
What main courses pair well with these green beans?
These glazed green beans are an ideal complement to chicken, pork, or beef dishes.
How long does the final sautéing step take?
After adding the sauce, sauté the green beans for an additional 2 minutes until they are evenly coated.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as written.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, replace the 1 tablespoon of butter with a plant-based butter alternative or a neutral cooking oil.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, you can substitute the 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder with one small clove of fresh minced garlic.
What is the purpose of the butter in this recipe?
Butter is used to sauté the blanched beans and provides a rich base for the glaze to adhere to the vegetables.
How do I trim the green beans?
Rinse the beans and trim off the tough stem ends, but leave them in long lengths for the best visual presentation.
Can I add nuts to this dish?
Yes, adding toasted almond slivers or crushed peanuts would add a nice crunch to the final dish.
Is this dish spicy?
No, the dish is savory and sweet. If you prefer heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
What if I don't have sesame oil?
You can use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil, though you will lose the subtle nutty aroma the sesame oil provides.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Using 1/2 lb of green beans typically serves 2 people as a side dish.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, the recipe can easily be doubled. Just ensure your sauté pan is large enough to keep the beans moving freely.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I reheat the green beans?
Yes, you can reheat them in a microwave or quickly toss them in a hot skillet. Note that they may lose some of their crispness upon reheating.
What does 'tender-crisp' mean?
It means the green beans are cooked through enough to be easy to bite but still retain a firm, slightly crunchy texture.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Yes, lime juice is an excellent substitute and will provide a similar acidic balance to the sweet glaze.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is only gluten-free if you use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a pot for boiling water, a bowl for the ice bath, a small mixing bowl, and a sauté pan.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can whisk the glaze ingredients together and keep them in the fridge until you are ready to sauté the beans.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best served immediately while hot to maintain the vibrant color and the consistency of the glaze.
Can I add other vegetables?
Sliced bell peppers or snap peas work very well with this same glaze and sauté method.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is a healthy side dish as green beans are high in fiber and the glaze uses minimal fats and sugars.