Description
🥄 Transform simple green beans into a restaurant-quality side dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor
🧄 Perfect for weeknight dinners, this quick and healthy recipe brings out the natural sweetness of green beans while adding aromatic garlic goodness
Ingredients
1 lb fresh green beans Provides the crisp, tender base loaded with nutrients and snap
4 minced garlic cloves Delivers bold, aromatic flavor that infuses every bite without overpowering
2 tbsp oil (neutral or olive oil) Allows high-heat sautéing for blistering and even cooking
1 tbsp soy sauce Adds savory umami and balances garlic’s sharpness
1 tsp sesame oil Brings nutty richness and authentic Asian-inspired depth
Pinch of salt Enhances natural flavors; adjust to taste
Pinch of pepper Adds mild heat and rounds out seasonings
red pepper flakes For a spicy kick that elevates the dish
splash of rice vinegar Introduces tangy brightness to cut richness
sesame seeds Offers crunch and visual appeal as garnish
Instructions
1-First Step: Gather and prepare your mise en place. Rinse 1 lb fresh green beans under cold water, then trim the stem ends with a sharp knife. Pat dry with a clean towel to avoid steaming. Mince 4 garlic cloves finely, keeping them ready. Measure out 2 tbsp oil, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, salt, pepper, and optionals like red pepper flakes. This setup keeps cooking smooth and fast, about 5 minutes total.
2-Second Step: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, about 1-2 minutes until shimmering. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden. Watch closely to prevent burning, which turns bitter. This quick sauté releases garlic’s sweet notes, forming the flavor foundation. Medium-high heat, around 375°F if using thermometer, promotes blistering.
3-Third Step: Toss in the prepared green beans. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, moving constantly with tongs or spatula. Add 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, pinch of salt, and pepper midway, about 3 minutes in. Beans should turn tender-crisp, vibrant green with blistered spots. Splash rice vinegar or sprinkle red pepper flakes in last minute for zing. Total cook time 7-10 minutes; test by snapping a bean, it should crunch.
4-Final Step: Remove from heat, taste, and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle sesame seeds if using. Transfer to platter immediately to stop cooking. Serves 4 as side. Pairs perfectly with rice or mains. Total time: 12-15 minutes. Leftovers reheat well.
Notes
🌡️ For extra tender beans, blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes before sautéing, then transfer to ice water
🧊 Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
🔥 Adjust cooking time based on your preference – shorter for crisp-tender, longer for softer beans
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: green beans, garlic, sautéed vegetables, side dish
