Green beans are a classic side dish that often gets overlooked. But with the right recipe, they can become the star of the show. This soy-glazed green beans recipe is a game-changer. It combines the freshness of green beans with the umami flavors of soy sauce and garlic, creating a dish that is both vibrant and savory.
My journey with this soy-glazed green beans recipe started when I was looking for a way to make green beans more exciting. I wanted to create a dish that would complement any main course and add a burst of flavor to the plate. After experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, I finally found the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
One of the key elements of this recipe is the soy glaze. It adds a rich and savory note to the green beans, elevating them to a whole new level. The glaze is made with a combination of soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sweetness. It coats the green beans beautifully, creating a glossy and irresistible finish.
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Ingredients
- Green beans — 1 pound, ends trimmed
- Soy sauce — 2 tablespoons
- Garlic — 2 cloves, minced
- Honey — 1 tablespoon
- Sesame oil — 1 tablespoon
- Sesame seeds — 1 tablespoon, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for 2 minutes. This will help to retain their vibrant green color and crisp texture. Drain the beans and set them aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, and sesame oil. This will create the flavorful glaze for the green beans.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the green beans to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the soy glaze over the green beans and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the beans are tender-crisp and the glaze has thickened slightly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the green beans to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve the soy-glazed green beans immediately as a side dish to your favorite main course. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- Sesame oil — If you don't have sesame oil on hand, you can substitute it with olive oil or vegetable oil. While sesame oil adds a distinct nutty flavor, the dish will still be delicious with the alternative oils.
Variations
- Spicy — If you like a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the soy glaze. This will give the green beans a spicy kick that pairs well with the savory flavors.
Dietary Restrictions
- Gluten-free — This soy-glazed green beans recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce. Double-check the label to ensure it's free from any gluten-containing ingredients.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Large skillet
Storage
- This soy-glazed green beans recipe is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Pro Tips
- Blanching — Blanching the green beans before cooking helps to preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture. Be sure not to overcook them during this step to maintain their freshness.
- Sesame seeds — Toasting the sesame seeds before garnishing adds a nutty flavor and enhances their crunchiness. Simply heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the seeds for a few minutes until golden brown.
- Adjust the glaze — Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, honey, and garlic in the glaze to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a bit more honey. If you love garlic, add an extra clove for a bolder flavor.
Thanksgiving Soy-Glazed Green Beans with Sesame & Honey
Add an Asian twist to your Thanksgiving meal with these soy-glazed green beans. A delightful combination of savory and sweet, garnished with sesame seeds for that perfect finish!
Equipment
- Colander
- Small bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound Green beans ends trimmed
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for 2 minutes. This will help to retain their vibrant green color and crisp texture. Drain the beans and set them aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, and sesame oil. This will create the flavorful glaze for the green beans.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the green beans to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the soy glaze over the green beans and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the beans are tender-crisp and the glaze has thickened slightly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the green beans to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve the soy-glazed green beans immediately as a side dish to your favorite main course. Enjoy!
Notes
- Blanching— Blanching the green beans before cooking helps to preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture. Be sure not to overcook them during this step to maintain their freshness.
- Sesame seeds— Toasting the sesame seeds before garnishing adds a nutty flavor and enhances their crunchiness. Simply heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the seeds for a few minutes until golden brown.
- Adjust the glaze— Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, honey, and garlic in the glaze to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a bit more honey. If you love garlic, add an extra clove for a bolder flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Thanksgiving Soy-Glazed Green Beans with Sesame & Honey
Amount per Serving
Calories
101
% Daily Value*
Fat
5
g
8
%
Saturated Fat
1
g
6
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
2
g
Sodium
510
mg
22
%
Potassium
276
mg
8
%
Carbohydrates
14
g
5
%
Fiber
3
g
13
%
Sugar
8
g
9
%
Protein
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
783
IU
16
%
Vitamin C
14
mg
17
%
Calcium
66
mg
7
%
Iron
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Ex-corporate worker turned world traveler and foodie, Shai Cohen explores diverse cultures and cuisines. Follow his adventures and culinary expertise as he inspires others to chase their dreams. Read more about Shai Cohen.
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