Sesame Garlic Green Beans (Print Version)

Tender green beans with toasted sesame, garlic, and crunchy fried onions create a flavorful side.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
02 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

→ Aromatics & Condiments

03 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
04 - 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
05 - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

→ Garnishes

06 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
07 - 1 cup crispy fried onions

→ Optional

08 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
09 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanch for 2 to 3 minutes until vibrant green and crisp-tender. Drain and immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and pat dry.
02 - Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
03 - Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they are heated through and just starting to blister.
04 - Drizzle in the soy sauce and rice vinegar. Toss to coat and cook for another minute.
05 - Remove from heat. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and, if using, red pepper flakes and black pepper.
06 - Transfer to a serving platter and top generously with crispy fried onions just before serving to retain their crunch.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It's ready in under thirty minutes, which means weeknight dinners finally feel manageable without sacrificing real flavor.
  • The contrast between tender beans, toasted sesame, and that shatteringly crispy onion topping is honestly addictive—it converts even the green-bean skeptics at your table.
02 -
  • Blanching and shocking the beans isn't optional—it's the difference between beans that taste fresh and alive versus ones that taste steamed and sullen.
  • Crispy onions absolutely must go on at the last second or they'll absorb moisture and turn chewy, which defeats the entire purpose of having them there.
03 -
  • A splash of oyster sauce or fresh minced ginger stirred in with the garlic adds depth and makes people ask what you did differently.
  • If you need this gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari and confirm your crispy onions are certified gluten-free, then the dish becomes instantly accessible to more people at your table.
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