Elevate your vegetable side dish game with these irresistible String Green Beans with Sesame Sauce—a perfect balance of crisp, tender green beans and rich, nutty sesame flavors. This quick and easy recipe features fresh string green beans blanched to bright green perfection, then coated in a luscious sauce made from toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, mirin, and a hint of sugar for sweetness. The sesame seeds are gently ground to release their full aroma, while a splash of sesame oil adds an enticing depth. Ready in just 20 minutes, this vibrant dish is as visually stunning as it is flavorful, making it an ideal addition to weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. Serve it as a light appetizer, a side for Asian-inspired meals, or a healthy snack bursting with umami goodness.
Wash the string green beans thoroughly and trim the ends.
Fill a large pot with water, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and bring to a boil.
Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender but still crisp.
Drain the green beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for 2-3 minutes, then drain and set aside.
In a small, dry skillet, toast the sesame seeds over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and aromatic. Reserve 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds for garnish and transfer the rest to a mortar and pestle (or spice grinder). Grind into a coarse powder.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the ground sesame seeds, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, sesame oil, and water. Whisk together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture forms a smooth sauce.
Place the cooled green beans in a large serving bowl. Pour the sesame sauce over the green beans and toss gently to coat evenly.
Transfer the sesame-coated green beans to a serving plate, sprinkle with the reserved toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
Calories |
434 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.9 g | 32% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.9 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3549 mg | 154% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.6 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.4 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.9 g | ||
| Protein | 14.3 g | 29% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 188 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 6.0 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 1113 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.