Oriental Green Beans 🥢
Description: This dish offers a delightful twist to traditional green beans, allowing you to adjust the spiciness to your preference. Whether you’re aiming for a mild flavor or a fiery kick, these beans are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Perfect as a vegetable side dish for your Chinese-inspired meals, despite not having origins in China!
- Prep Time: 6 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 61.3 per serving
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (based on 28 reviews)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb green beans
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 1/2 tsp sesame seeds
- Optional: 1 tbsp vegetable oil for sautéing
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Beans:
- Steam the green beans for just a few minutes, ensuring they remain crisp.
- If preferred, you can blanch the beans in cold water to halt the cooking process. This step can be done in advance, even the day before, to save time later.
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Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over low heat.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant and golden brown. This should take about 2-3 minutes, infusing the oil with their delightful flavors.
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Combine Ingredients:
- Increase the heat to high and add the steamed green beans to the skillet.
- Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, adjusting the amount based on your spice tolerance.
- Pour in the light soy sauce and water, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Cook and Garnish:
- Cover the skillet and cook the beans over high heat for a few more minutes, allowing the liquid to evaporate and the beans to absorb the flavors.
- Shake the skillet occasionally to ensure even cooking and distribution of the sauce.
- Once the beans are tender yet still vibrant green, transfer them to a serving dish.
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Final Touch:
- Garnish the Oriental Green Beans with a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and nutty flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 61.3
- Fat: 2.9g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 133.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 8.3g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3.5g
- Protein: 2.4g
Recipe Notes:
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. For a milder version, simply reduce the quantity or omit them altogether.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can blanch the beans in advance and store them in the refrigerator, cutting down on prep time when you’re ready to cook.
- Serve with: These Oriental Green Beans pair beautifully with a variety of dishes, from classic Chinese stir-fries to grilled meats and seafood. Enjoy them as a flavorful and nutritious side dish that’s quick and easy to prepare!
This versatile recipe is not only low in protein and cholesterol but also packed with vibrant flavors and nutrients, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or prefer a milder taste, these Oriental Green Beans are sure to satisfy your cravings for something flavorful and wholesome. So why wait? Whip up a batch today and delight your taste buds with this Asian-inspired dish!