Sautéed green beans with garlic and ginger

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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!