Asian-Style Glazed Green Beans

🥢🌱 Asian-Style Glazed Green Beans 🌱🥢

History:
Asian-style glazed green beans are a delicious dish that draws inspiration from various Asian cuisines, such as Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. This dish is known for its combination of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors. While the specific origins of this dish are not well-documented, it has become a popular side dish in many Asian restaurants and homes around the world.

Components:

Fresh green beans: Typically, fresh and crisp green beans are used. You’ll need about 1 pound (450g) for a standard recipe.
Soy sauce: A staple in Asian cuisine, soy sauce provides saltiness and depth of flavor.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a wonderful aromatic quality to the dish.
Ginger: Fresh ginger is grated or finely minced for a hint of warmth.
Sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil imparts a rich, nutty flavor.
Honey or sugar: To create the glaze, a sweet component like honey, brown sugar, or a sweetener of your choice is used.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat and spiciness.
Vegetable oil: To stir-fry the green beans and aromatics.

Steps to Prepare:

Prepare the Green Beans: Wash and trim the green beans. If they are long, you can cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Blanch the Green Beans: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Blanch the green beans for about 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green. Drain and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps retain their vibrant color and crispness.
Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey or sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Mix well to create the glaze.
Stir-Fry: Heat a wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the pan. Add the blanched green beans and stir-fry for a few minutes until they start to blister and turn slightly tender.
Add the Glaze: Pour the prepared glaze over the green beans and continue to stir-fry. The glaze will thicken and coat the green beans. This usually takes 2-3 minutes.
Finish with Sesame Oil: Drizzle a bit of toasted sesame oil over the green beans and toss to coat. The sesame oil adds a lovely nutty flavor.
Serve: Transfer the glazed green beans to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.

Time Needed:
The total time to prepare Asian-style glazed green beans is approximately 20-30 minutes. This may vary depending on your cooking experience and the specific stove and cookware you use.

Enjoy this delightful and visually appealing side dish with your favorite Asian-inspired meal, and don’t forget to sprinkle some sesame seeds and green onions on top for that extra touch of authenticity and flavor! 🥢🌶🍯🌱😋

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Asian-Style Glazed Green Beans:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximately 1 cup, cooked):

Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories
Protein: About 2-3 grams
Carbohydrates: Around 20-25 grams
Dietary Fiber: 4-5 grams
Sugars: About 10-12 grams
Fat: Approximately 3-4 grams
Saturated Fat: Less than 1 gram
Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
Sodium: About 400-600 milligrams (mainly from soy sauce)
Vitamin A: 10-15% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin C: 15-20% of the DV
Calcium: 4-6% of the DV
Iron: 6-8% of the DV

Health Information:

Low in Calories: Asian-style glazed green beans are relatively low in calories, making them a healthy side dish option.
Rich in Fiber: The dish is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel full.
Vitamins and Minerals: Green beans provide essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and some calcium and iron.
Low in Saturated Fat: This dish is low in saturated fat, which is good for heart health.
Protein: While not a significant source of protein, green beans do provide some, which can contribute to your daily protein intake.
Moderate Sodium: The sodium content may vary based on the amount of soy sauce used. Be mindful of your sodium intake if you have dietary restrictions.
Antioxidants: Green beans contain antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system.
Low in Cholesterol: Like most plant-based foods, green beans are naturally cholesterol-free.

Overall, Asian-style glazed green beans are a nutritious and flavorful side dish, especially when prepared with minimal added sugar and sodium. However, it’s essential to control the amount of added sugar and use reduced-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option. Enjoy these green beans as part of a balanced diet for a delicious and nutritious meal! 🌱🥢😊