Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Ginger is a quick and flavorful side dish that highlights the fresh crunch of green beans with aromatic garlic and ginger. It’s perfect as a side dish for a variety of main courses. Here’s a simple recipe:
Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Ginger
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and washed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 2-3 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Blanch the Green Beans (optional):
- To ensure the green beans are tender-crisp, you can blanch them before sautéing. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the green beans.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat the vegetable oil or olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant but not browned.
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Cook the Green Beans:
- Add the green beans to the skillet. Stir well to coat with the garlic and ginger.
- Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the green beans are heated through and starting to brown slightly.
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Season and Finish:
- Add the soy sauce or tamari and toss to coat.
- If using, drizzle with sesame oil and stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the green beans to a serving dish.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
Optional Variations:
- Add Heat: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Different Flavors: Add a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy note.
- Additional Vegetables: Mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added variety.
These sautéed green beans with garlic and ginger are a quick, flavorful, and healthy side dish that complements a wide range of main courses. Enjoy!