Sesame Ginger String Beans
Sesame Ginger String Beans offer a vibrant blend of fresh vegetables, aromatic ginger, and savory soy sauce, enhanced by the nutty notes of sesame oil. Perfect as a side for Asian-inspired meals or a quick, flavorful vegetable dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Deep fry the trimmed string beans in vegetable oil until crispy, then drain and set aside.
- In a wok or large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of light sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add minced fresh ginger, minced green onion, and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in minced ham and cook for another minute.
- Add sugar, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, and chicken stock; bring to a simmer.
- Return the fried string beans to the pan and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a different flavor profile, consider adding a splash of lime juice or substituting the ham with diced tofu for a vegetarian option. If you're short on time, you can use pre-packaged string beans. Make sure to adjust the frying time to achieve the desired crispness, and keep an eye on the ingredients while sautéing to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sesame ginger string beans as a vibrant side dish that pairs beautifully with chicken recipes like Arroz Con Pollo or alongside grilled meats. For a complete meal, consider serving over rice or alongside a fresh salad to balance flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the beans soggy and lose their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame Ginger String Beans contains roughly 163 calories, with 3g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1270mg per serving (55% 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 use frozen string beans instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen string beans. However, they may require longer frying time to achieve the desired crispiness. Be sure to thaw and pat them dry to reduce excess moisture before frying.
What if I don't have light sesame oil?
If you don't have light sesame oil, you can substitute it with a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil for frying. While it won't have the same nutty flavor, you can enhance the dish by adding a small amount of toasted sesame oil at the end for extra depth.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha into the sauce. You can also include sliced fresh chili peppers when sautéing the ginger and garlic for a more pronounced 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).