Sesame Garlic Green Beans (Print Version)

Tender green beans sautéed with garlic and sesame, topped with crunchy fried onions.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
02 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

→ Aromatics & Condiments

03 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
04 - 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
05 - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

→ Garnishes

06 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
07 - 1 cup crispy fried onions

→ Optional

08 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
09 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanch for 2 to 3 minutes until vibrant green and crisp-tender. Drain and immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and pat dry.
02 - Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
03 - Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they are heated through and just starting to blister.
04 - Drizzle in the soy sauce and rice vinegar. Toss to coat and cook for another minute.
05 - Remove from heat. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, and black pepper as desired.
06 - Transfer to a serving platter and top generously with crispy fried onions just before serving to retain their crunch.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in 25 minutes — just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking stand between you and a stunning side dish.
  • Incredibly flavorful — sesame oil, garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar create a savory, umami-rich glaze that clings to every bean.
  • Irresistible texture — the contrast between the tender-crisp green beans and the crunchy fried onion topping makes every bite interesting.
  • Vegetarian and easily adaptable — swap soy sauce for tamari and choose gluten-free crispy onions to make it fully gluten-free.
  • Versatile pairing — equally at home alongside grilled meats, pan-seared tofu, or a simple bowl of steamed rice.
02 -
  • Don't skip the ice bath — it is the step that keeps the beans brilliantly green and perfectly crisp-tender rather than olive-colored and soft.
  • Pat the beans completely dry before adding them to the skillet; excess moisture will steam rather than sear and will dilute the sauce.
  • Watch the garlic closely — 30 seconds over medium heat is all it needs to turn fragrant; let it go longer and it will turn bitter.
  • Add crispy onions at the very last moment — even a minute of sitting in warmth will cause them to lose their satisfying crunch.
  • Boost the flavor with a splash of oyster sauce or a pinch of freshly grated ginger added alongside the garlic for a more complex aromatic base.
  • Allergen reminder — this dish contains soy, sesame, and wheat (in most store-bought crispy onions); always check labels if cooking for guests with dietary restrictions.
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