japanese string beans recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best japanese string beans recipe

I’m so excited to share this Japanese string beans recipe with you, it’s one of our family’s favorite dishes. We discovered it while on a trip to Japan, and since then, it’s become a staple in our household.

The simplicity of the recipe is what I love most – just a few ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both healthy and delicious. My kids, who are notoriously picky eaters, devour this recipe without hesitation.

It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, as it can be easily scaled up or down depending on the number of guests. Plus, the health benefits of string beans are numerous – they’re high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent choice for a nutritious meal.

One of the key techniques in making this recipe is the home cooking method, which involves cooking the beans in a flavorful broth until they’re tender but still crisp. This technique allows the natural sweetness of the beans to shine through without overpowering them with added sugars or sauces.

We’ve experimented with various seasonings and spices over the years, but our favorite way to enjoy this dish is with a drizzle of soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Japanese String Beans with Sesame Soy Dressing

4.8 from 1397 votes

This dish features crisp green beans blanched to perfection and tossed in a savory sesame soy dressing. It is a simple and flavorful side that pairs well with any Japanese meal.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time5 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time15 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beans

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups water

For the Dressing

2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon mirin
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a rolling boil in a medium pot over high heat.
2Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp when pierced with a fork.
3Drain the beans in a colander and immediately transfer them to a large bowl filled with ice water.
4Let them sit for 2 minutes to stop the cooking process and set the color, then drain well and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
5Using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder, grind the toasted sesame seeds until they are coarsely crushed.
6In a small bowl, whisk together the crushed sesame seeds, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sesame oil until the sugar is fully dissolved.
7Place the blanched and dried green beans in a serving bowl.
8Pour the sesame soy dressing over the beans and toss gently with tongs until every bean is evenly coated.
9Serve immediately at room temperature or chilled.

🔧Equipment

Medium pot
Colander
Large bowl
Mortar and pestle or spice grinder
Small bowl
Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 6g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 480mg🌾Total Carbs: 14g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. You can also substitute snow peas or asparagus for the green beans.

Watch Video Of How Japanese String Beans with Sesame Soy Dressing Works

This Japanese string beans recipe is always a hit at family gatherings – it’s easy to make in large quantities and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

When reheating leftovers, I like to add some fresh vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to give it an extra boost of color and nutrients.

For serving ideas, try pairing it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese String Beans with Sesame Soy Dressing

What is Japanese string beans?

Japanese string beans are a type of green bean that is typically harvested when immature and still tender. They have a delicate flavor and texture that makes them perfect for stir-frying or steaming.

How do I cook Japanese string beans?

Cooking Japanese string beans is relatively simple – just heat some oil in a pan, add the beans along with your desired seasonings, and stir-fry until they’re tender but still crisp. You can also steam them for 5-7 minutes until they’re cooked through.

What are some popular seasonings for Japanese string beans?

Soy sauce and sesame seeds are two classic seasonings that complement the natural flavor of Japanese string beans perfectly. You can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic, ginger, or chili flakes to add more depth to your dish.

Can I use regular green beans instead of Japanese string beans?

No, regular green beans will not have the same delicate flavor and texture as Japanese string beans. If you can’t find Japanese string beans at your local market, you can try substituting them with snow peas or snap peas as a last resort.

How long do Japanese string beans last?

Japanese string beans have a relatively short shelf life due to their high water content. You should use them within 3-5 days of purchase for optimal flavor and texture.

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