Savory Stir-Fried Fresh Green Beans with Garlic and Sesame
Experience the vibrant flavors of fresh summer green beans with this quick and easy stir-fry recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a tasty side dish for gatherings, these crunchy green beans are first blanched to retain their bright color and crisp texture, then stir-fried with garlic and sesame oil for an aromatic finish. The addition of soy sauce and a hint of brown sugar creates a delightful sweet and savory glaze, while optional chili flakes bring a kick of heat. Garnish with toasted sliced almonds or sesame seeds for an extra crunch. Prepare the green beans in advance for a fuss-free cooking experience!
4
Servings
95
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh green beans
1 1/2 lbs (ends trimmed)
chopped fresh garlic
2 tablespoons (or to taste)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (optional or adjust to taste)
sesame oil
1 1/2 tablespoons
soy sauce
3 tablespoons
rice vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons
brown sugar
1 tablespoon (packed, can use a little more if desired)
black pepper
(to taste)
salt
(optional)
cornstarch
(mixed with cold water to thicken sauce)
sliced almonds or sesame seeds
(for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the trimmed fresh green beans and cook for approximately 3 minutes until they are just crisp-tender.
2
Immediately transfer the beans to an ice water bath to halt the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color. Allow them to cool completely.
3
Drain the green beans thoroughly and use paper towels to pat them dry, ensuring they won’t steam while stir-frying.
4
In a wok or large skillet, heat the sesame oil over high heat. Once hot, add the chopped garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), stir-frying for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5
Introduce the blanched green beans to the wok, and stir-fry them for approximately 2 minutes to sear and heat through.
6
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and a dash of black pepper. Pour this mixture over the beans and continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and coat the beans.
7
If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve a small amount of cornstarch in cold water and add it to the stir-fry as it cooks, stirring until the sauce thickens.
8
Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds or sesame seeds over the green beans, tossing gently to combine. Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
10g
Carbs
2g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many servings does this green bean recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of Savory Stir-Fried Fresh Green Beans?
There are 95 calories per serving.
How long should I boil the fresh green beans?
You should boil the trimmed green beans for approximately 3 minutes until they are just crisp-tender.
Why should I put the green beans in an ice water bath?
The ice water bath halts the cooking process immediately and helps preserve the beans' vibrant green color.
What is the purpose of patting the beans dry after the ice bath?
Patting them dry ensures they won’t steam when you add them to the wok, allowing for a better sear.
What type of oil is used for the stir-fry?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 tablespoons of sesame oil.
How much garlic is required for this dish?
You will need 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh garlic, or you can adjust to your taste.
Is this green bean recipe spicy?
It can be if you include the optional 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
What ingredients are in the stir-fry sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and black pepper.
How do I thicken the sauce if I prefer it less runny?
You can dissolve a small amount of cornstarch in cold water and add it to the stir-fry while it cooks.
What can I use to garnish the finished dish?
You can use toasted sliced almonds or sesame seeds for garnish and extra crunch.
How many grams of fat are in each serving?
There are 5g of fat per serving.
How many grams of protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 2g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
Each serving contains 10g of carbohydrates.
How much fiber is in a serving of these green beans?
There is 1.5g of fiber per serving.
How much fresh green beans do I need to buy?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 lbs of fresh green beans.
How long do I stir-fry the garlic?
Stir-fry the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
How long do I stir-fry the beans once they are in the wok?
Stir-fry the beans for approximately 2 minutes to sear and heat them through before adding the sauce.
What type of sugar is best for the glaze?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of packed brown sugar.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Salt is optional for the recipe and is also used in the boiling water for blanching.
What type of vinegar should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 1/2 tablespoons of rice vinegar.
Can I prepare the green beans ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the green beans in advance for a fuss-free cooking experience when you are ready to stir-fry.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including optional garnishes and thickeners.
What heat level should I use for the stir-fry?
The oil should be heated over high heat in a wok or large skillet.
What is the total time spent cooking the sauce with the beans?
After pouring the sauce over the beans, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until reduced.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include green beans, stir-fry, vegetable dish, asian cuisine, healthy side, quick recipe, summer vegetables, and easy cooking.
Is this dish suitable for summer?
Yes, it is specifically described as featuring vibrant flavors of fresh summer green beans.
Do I need to trim the green beans?
Yes, the preparation instructions note that the ends should be trimmed.
Can I adjust the amount of garlic?
Yes, while 2 tablespoons is recommended, you can adjust the amount to your personal taste.
What equipment is needed?
You will need a large pot for boiling, a bowl for an ice bath, a wok or large skillet, and a small bowl for mixing the sauce.