Green Beans With Garlic(4 Servings)
A quick and flavorful side of green beans stir-fried with garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, and soy sauce, perfect for Chinese-inspired meals or as a vegetable side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir together soy sauce, sugar, and sherry or water and set aside.
- In a wok or wide frying pan, toast sesame seeds over medium heat until golden, about 3 minutes, stirring often. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Increase heat to medium-high and pour oil into the pan.
- When hot, stir in garlic, ginger, and green beans. Cook, stirring, for 1½ minutes.
- Stir in the soy mixture, reduce heat, cover, and cook until beans are tender-crisp, about 7 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their nuttiness, so don’t skip that step. You can substitute fresh ginger with ground ginger in a pinch, but reduce the amount to about 1/4 teaspoon. If you want to experiment, try adding some red pepper flakes for heat or incorporating a squeeze of lemon juice for freshness. This dish also complements Pat'S Perfect Sesame Noodles beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these green beans as a vibrant side dish to grilled chicken or fish. They pair wonderfully with Asian-inspired meals, particularly those featuring soy sauce or sesame flavors. Consider serving alongside rice or quinoa for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, they work well with Deep Fried Tofu. You can also get creative with your presentation by garnishing with extra toasted sesame seeds.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry in a hot pan for a few minutes until warmed through, as this helps retain the crispness of the green beans. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, but be careful not to overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Beans With Garlic(4 Servings) contains roughly 601 calories, with 15g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (44% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 877mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the green beans and garlic mixture ahead of time. Store the cooked beans in the fridge and reheat them just before serving. However, they are best enjoyed fresh to maintain their tender-crisp texture.
What can I substitute for green beans?
You can use snap peas or asparagus as alternatives to green beans in this recipe. Both will provide a similar crunch and pair well with the garlic and soy sauce flavors, making them excellent substitutes.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this dish is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. The ingredients are all plant-based, making it a great option for those following a vegan diet. You can also browse more vegan recipes to complement this dish.
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).