Green Bean Empress
Green Bean Empress offers tender green beans and celery in a savory soy sauce glaze, accented with toasted sesame seeds, perfect for a quick, flavorful side dish suitable for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook celery in butter until tender-crisp.
- Blend cornstarch with chicken stock, soy sauce, toasted sesame seed, and garlic salt.
- Add the mixture to the celery and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of ginger or red pepper flakes for some heat. If you don’t have Blue Lake green beans, you can substitute with regular green beans or snap peas. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. This dish pairs well with rice or noodles, making it a versatile side.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Green Bean Empress as a vibrant side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It also goes well with a light, refreshing salad like Hawaiian Summer Salad for a complete meal. For a more substantial dish, serve it over steamed rice or alongside Chicken Afretada for a flavorful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and keep the beans tender. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Bean Empress contains roughly 109 calories, with 5g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (15% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the dish. Cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use tamari instead of soy sauce. Alternatively, coconut aminos provide a similar flavor and are also a great substitute for those avoiding soy.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider including sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha when cooking. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top just before serving for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).