Sesame Green Beans and Red Pepper Recipe
This Sesame Green Beans and Red Pepper recipe is a delightful dish that combines the crunch of fresh green beans with the sweetness of red bell peppers, all tossed in a flavorful sesame dressing. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple weekday dinner, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and savory taste.
Recipe Overview
- Name: Sesame Green Beans and Red Pepper
- Category: Vegetable
- Keywords: Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Refrigerator, Stove Top, < 4 Hours
- Servings: 6
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cook Time: 1 hour)
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sesame seeds |
| 3 | Cayenne pepper sauce |
| 1 | Olive oil |
| 1 | Soy sauce |
| 2 | Gingerroot |
| 1/4 | Garlic |
| 1 | Fresh green beans |
| 1 | Salt |
| 1/4 | Red bell pepper |
| 1/2 | Lettuce |
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 60
- Total Fat: 3.3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 455.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 6.9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1.6g
- Protein: 2.1g
Recipe Instructions
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Toast Sesame Seeds: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add sesame seeds and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often, until golden brown. Transfer the toasted sesame seeds to a small bowl.
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Prepare Sesame Dressing: In the same bowl with toasted sesame seeds, whisk together cayenne pepper sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, finely grated gingerroot, minced garlic, and sesame oil until well combined. Set the dressing aside.
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Steam Green Beans: In a large saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil over high heat. Place the fresh green beans in a steamer basket and sprinkle with salt. Set the steamer basket over the boiling water (make sure the water does not touch the beans). Cover the saucepan with a lid and steam the green beans for 5 to 6 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender.
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Cool and Drain Beans: Once the green beans are steamed, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain the beans well and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
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Combine Ingredients: Add finely sliced red bell pepper to the bowl with the steamed green beans.
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Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared sesame dressing over the vegetables in the bowl. Gently toss everything together until the green beans and red bell peppers are evenly coated with the dressing.
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Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Serve: Before serving, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing. Optionally, serve the sesame green beans and red pepper salad on a bed of lettuce-lined plates for an extra elegant presentation.
Tips for Success
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh green beans and red bell peppers for the best texture and flavor.
- Toasting Sesame Seeds: Keep an eye on the sesame seeds while toasting to prevent burning. Stir them frequently in the skillet.
- Steaming Green Beans: Be careful not to overcook the green beans; they should be tender-crisp after steaming.
- Make-Ahead: This dish can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This Sesame Green Beans and Red Pepper recipe pairs well with a variety of main dishes such as grilled chicken, fish, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. It also makes a colorful addition to any holiday table, particularly for Christmas or Thanksgiving dinners, adding both visual appeal and nutritious value to the meal.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish or a vibrant addition to your holiday spread, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the crisp freshness of green beans and the sweet crunch of red bell peppers, enhanced by the nutty aroma of toasted sesame seeds and the savory notes of the sesame dressing.
