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These stir-fry sesame green beans are the perfect compliment to literally any meal. Garlicky, tangy, sweet, and full of sesame flavors. Not only do they go with practically any meal, but they're also perfect for every season!
One of my favorite vegetables and really, one of my favorite types of beans is the lovely green bean. I eat these bad boys almost daily. Should I? Maybe not, but my happiness is the only thing that matters so if that sounds like you, then that will make two of us who eat these every day!
This recipe is so simple, it takes minutes to make. Especially if you use frozen whole green beans!
I also love serving these beans along side of my flavorful pan fried tofu or perfect air-fried tofu!
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🥘Ingredients
You may choose fresh green beans for this recipe, but I am using frozen. Fresh beans may need a little bit longer cooking time, but it should not be much at all.
Seasonings are pretty basic and I wouldn't personally omit any, however the garlic powder can be optional or replaced with fresh garlic. I made this recipe with the focus of it being quick so the powder does a great job in a pinch!
See recipe card for quantities.
🔪Instructions
Add your beans to a frying pan. If using fresh, be sure to de-stem and wash first, then add to the frying pan. You may also need just a bit of olive oil for fresh beans. It's up to you!
Cook on medium high heat until the beans start to get a little char on them.
Add seasonings (Rice vinegar, salt, sugar, garlic powder) and mix up well.
If you are using real garlic, you will need to start with that in the pan to sweat the garlic and then add the green beans.
Stir the green beans around to get them all seasoned well, then turn the heat off and add your sesame oil, stir around a little bit again and then serve!
👩🏻🍳Cook's Tip
I highly recommend also adding MSG to these beans. I kept it out of this recipe, but I normally do add it. Afraid of MSG? There's no need to be! It's actually a natural umami flavor and the bad education around it was born out of racism. MSG is naturally occurring in many of the foods you already enjoy, like mushrooms and tomatoes.
🍱Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I do not recommend freezing.
🌡️How to stir fry green beans
Stir frying is the act of cooking something in a skillet or wok at a high heat. You want your green beans to be crispy with a bit of char on them for better flavors. It is normal for some to get a little soft and limp, especially if they're smaller.
You can serve immediately, but they're still pretty good even the next day. Although, they won't be as crispy. Just mix them with some rice!
You also want to be ready when stir frying, things go really fast due to the high heat factor and quickness of stir frying so it's best to have all of your ingredients ready to throw in the pan. If you plan on using fresh garlic, have that already chopped up before you start.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Nope! If using fresh green beans, just give them a nice rinse to wash off any dirt or bugs and then throw them directly into the pan. They may take a bit longer to cook. If using frozen, you just put them directly into the pan as is.
If you've tried this recipe and enjoyed it, I would love it if you could rate it 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment! It's a great, and free way to support me!
📖 Recipe
Stir Fry Sesame Green Beans
Equipment
- 1 saute pan
Ingredients
- 1 12oz bag frozen green beans can use fresh
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- pinch of salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Add the green beans to a pan. If using fresh, add a small bit of oil. Cook on medium high heat for about 5 minutes.
- Add in all seasonings; salt, sugar, garlic powder, rice vinegar and mix well. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Then turn off the heat and add sesame oil. Stir around the beans and serve!
Notes
- For some extra flavor, try getting a sear on the green beans using high heat for about 2-3 minutes. A little extra char really does wonders.
- You may omit or use less sugar if desired.
Nathan
Would love to see a take on a green bean casserole dish. This is fantastic as well
Bree
Hi Nathan, I plan to have a green bean casserole out this year in time for Thanksgiving so definitely be on the lookout for that =). Also, thank you so much, it's my favorite way to have these beans!