There is a distinct pleasure in a side dish that demands as much attention as the main course. These green beans are vibrant and crisp. They rely on the sharp warmth of fresh ginger and the deep nuttiness of sesame oil to transform a humble vegetable into something memorable.
The technique here is two-fold. First, we blanch the beans to lock in that brilliant emerald color and ensure a perfect snap. Then, we finish them in a hot skillet with aromatics and a savory soy glaze. It is a simple preparation that feels elegant on the plate, perfect for serving alongside a roast chicken or poached fish.
The Recipe
Yields: 4 to 6 Servings | Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed
- 6 thin slices fresh ginger
- 3 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
1. Blanch the Beans Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. They should be bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately drain the beans and plunge them into a bowl of ice-cold water. This stops the cooking process instantly. Once cool, drain them on paper towels to dry.
2. Sauté the Aromatics Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped green onions, pressed garlic, and ginger slices. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring often, until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
3. Create the Glaze Stir in the sugar, salt, and soy sauce. Continue to cook and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
4. Finish the Dish Add the blanched green beans and the 1/2 cup of water to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium. Stir-fry the mixture for 3 minutes, tossing constantly so the beans are coated in the sauce and heated through. Serve immediately.
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Green Beans with Fresh Ginger & Sesame
These vibrant green beans are blanched for the perfect snap, then finished in a hot skillet with fresh ginger, garlic, and savory sesame oil. Ready in just 20 minutes, they are the perfect vegetable side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
Blanch the Beans
-
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. They should be bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately drain the beans and plunge them into a bowl of ice-cold water. This stops the cooking process instantly. Once cool, drain them on paper towels to dry.
Sauté the Aromatics
-
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped green onions, pressed garlic, and ginger slices. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring often, until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
Create the Glaze
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Stir in the sugar, salt, and soy sauce. Continue to cook and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Finish the Dish
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Add the blanched green beans and the 1/2 cup of water to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium. Stir-fry the mixture for 3 minutes, tossing constantly so the beans are coated in the sauce and heated through. Serve immediately.
