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These restaurant style easy green beans are on constant repeat at our house. They are one of the easiest and most flavorful side dishes you will ever make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is my go to green bean recipe. Not only do they taste amazing but they are EASY! Probably one of the easiest recipes ever.
Growing up the only vegetable I would eat and I mean the ONLY vegetable was green beans. Back then though, they always came out of a can. Fresh are a little bit more work than opening a can but so worth it!
Ingredients Needed
- Fresh green beans, trimmed
- Sesame oil. This is a crucial ingredient, do not substitute any other kind of oil. This gives the beans amazing flavor. You can find it in the Asian aisle of the grocery storey.
- Garlic, fresh and minced
- Soy Sauce. You can use low salt soy sauce or regular. You can also substitute Tamari Sauce if you need gluten free.
- Sesame Seeds. I like to use toasted sesame seeds.
- Red Pepper Flakes. If you like a bit of heat.
How to Make Easy Green Beans
- Trim green beans by removing the ends. You can snap them off or use a knife to cut them off.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and put beans into boiling water for 3-4 minutes until they turn a vibrant green color and are slightly tender. (This step is optional if you are really short on time but I prefer the beans when they have been parboiled first.)
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat.
- Add in beans and garlic. Stir until beans begin to brown and are cooked through.
- Add in soy sauce and stir for a few more minutes to coat.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Tips from Leigh Anne
- Prep Ahead Tip: Blanching the beans hours or even the day ahead of time makes it so easy. If you aren’t going to serve them right away, run cold water over them to stop the cooking process and then place in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to finish cooking and serve.
- When buying green beans, look for bright green, firm, not wrinkled and no brown spots. They should snap when broken.
These restaurant style green beans are the perfect side dish for just about anything and every holiday!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store leftover green beans?
Leftover green beans will keep for up to three days when stored in an airtight container.
Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.
Check out more of my favorite vegetable side dishes:
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Restaurant Style Easy Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh green beans trimmed
- 1-2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
Instructions
- Bring a large pan of water to a boil. Add in beans and cook for about 3-4 minutes or until beans are about half way cooked.
- Drain beans. Heat oil in a large frying pan or wok. Add in beans and garlic. Stir until beans begin to brown and are cooked through. Add in soy sauce and stir for a few more minutes to coat.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Tips & Notes:
- Prep Ahead Tip: Blanching the beans hours or even the day ahead of time makes it so easy. If you aren’t going to serve them right away, run cold water over them to stop the cooking process and then place in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to finish cooking and serve.
- When buying green beans, look for beans that are bright green, firm, not wrinkled and no brown spots. I prefer a thinner green bean. They should snap when broken.
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Nutrition Facts:
Tetesa says
Having it for dinner tonight
Laura says
I made these last night and they are fantastic! I was skeptical because it seems too easy to taste amazing, but this is a recipe I will be using on a regular basis now. I used frozen green beans, and carefully watched them to make sure they didn’t get mushy. I am going to use this exact recipe with snap peas in the future. Thank you for the recipe!
Shannoyn Woloszyn says
Love green beans! Your recipes sound great. Going to try these!
Genna says
Tried these and had to use garlic powder as I was out of fresh. Still so good!! My daughter and I loved them. Can’t wait to do them again with fresh garlic!
ColleenB.~Texas says
I like sautéing my beans in bacon grease in place of the oil. Really gives them a nice flavor. I do sometimes add some fresh bacon bits to the beans as they are sautéing in the pan.
Leigh Anne says
Sounds so yummy!
Linda says
Absolutely going to try this method. I usually steam our green beans but sometimes you just want something different!
Congratulations of becoming a grandparent! I became one myself 10 months ago. Isn’t it the best!