green beans and sesame seeds recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best green beans and sesame seeds recipe

I love green beans and sesame seeds recipe because it’s a simple yet delicious dish that my family and I enjoy for any occasion. The origin of this recipe is from the Mediterranean region, where green beans are a staple ingredient.

In this recipe, I use fresh green beans, which I steam until tender, then toss them with toasted sesame seeds, garlic, and lemon juice. The combination of flavors and textures is amazing – the crunchy sesame seeds complement the tender green beans perfectly.

This recipe is a great way to add some excitement to your daily meals or as a side dish for special events. My kids love helping me in the kitchen by steaming the green beans and mixing the dressing ingredients together.

It’s a fun and easy recipe that even my picky eaters will enjoy. I like that this recipe is also very healthy, as it’s low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the green beans and sesame seeds.

Sesame Green Beans

Sesame Green Beans

4.9 from 1761 votes

Crisp-tender green beans are tossed with toasted sesame seeds and a savory soy-sesame glaze. This simple side dish comes together quickly and pairs well with rice, fish, or chicken.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time12 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time22 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Green Beans

1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sesame Glaze

2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp honey
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
3Drain the beans and immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
4In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and toasted sesame oil until the honey is fully dissolved.
5Set the glaze aside while you prepare the pan.
6Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
7Add the blanched green beans and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to blister and char slightly on the edges.
8Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
9Pour the sesame glaze over the green beans and toss to coat evenly.
10Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beans, then remove the skillet from the heat.
11Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top and toss once more before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or wok
Small bowl
Measuring spoons
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 7g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 480mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. To toast sesame seeds, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and fragrant.

Watch Video Of How Sesame Green Beans Works

This green beans and sesame seeds recipe is a keeper, and I always have it in my back pocket for any occasion. Whether it is a casual weeknight meal or a big family gathering, it fits right in.

The best part is that it stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, though the beans will soften a bit. To reheat, just warm it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, and add a sprinkle of fresh sesame seeds to bring back the crunch.

If you have leftovers, you can serve them cold as a salad or chop them up and toss them into a grain bowl. I have even used them as a topping for rice or noodles.

This dish is so versatile that it never gets boring. I hope you give it a try and make it your own, because it really is a simple way to make vegetables exciting for everyone at the table.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sesame Green Beans

1. What is the ideal cooking time for green beans?

The ideal cooking time for green beans depends on their size and personal preference for tenderness. As a general rule, I recommend steaming them for 5-7 minutes or until they’re tender but still crisp. If you prefer them more tender, you can steam them for an additional minute or two.

2. Can I use canned or frozen green beans?

While you can use canned or frozen green beans in this recipe, I highly recommend using fresh ones if possible. Fresh green beans have a better texture and flavor than their canned or frozen counterparts. If you do choose to use canned or frozen green beans, make sure to thaw them first before steaming.

3. How do I toast sesame seeds?

To toast sesame seeds, simply spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing ingredients ahead of time by mixing them together in a bowl and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, be sure to adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference before serving.

5. Can I substitute other types of nuts or seeds?

While sesame seeds are traditional in this recipe, you can experiment with other types of nuts or seeds if you prefer. Some options include chopped almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds.

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