Japanese Green Bean Recipe

Green beans: Fresh and trimmed, these are the main ingredient providing a crisp texture.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the dish.

Sesame oil: Provides a rich, nutty aroma and taste.

Toasted sesame seeds: Adds a crunchy texture and enhances the nutty flavor.

Garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with a robust, aromatic flavor.

To achieve the perfect tender-crisp texture for your green beans, make sure to immediately transfer them to an ice bath after blanching. This halts the cooking process and helps retain their vibrant color and crunch.

• trimmed green beans - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus has a similar texture and can be cooked in the same way, providing a slightly different but still delicious flavor.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and has a similar umami flavor.

• sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a substitute, though it will impart a different flavor. For a closer match, use toasted sesame oil.

• toasted sesame seeds - Substitute with sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds can provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor, though they are slightly different in taste.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of minced garlic, though it is less potent. Use about ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic.

• Allow the green beans to cool completely before storing. This helps to maintain their texture and flavor.
• Transfer the cooled green beans to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Ensure that you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date of preparation. This will help you keep track of how long the green beans have been stored.
• Store the green beans in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer where they can last up to 2 months.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the green beans in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps retain their texture.
• Reheat the green beans in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil to refresh the flavors. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave the green beans on a microwave-safe plate, covered with a damp paper towel, for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
• For added freshness, sprinkle a few more toasted sesame seeds over the reheated green beans before serving.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of sesame oil to the pan.
  3. Toss in the leftover green beans and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  4. If needed, add a splash of soy sauce to refresh the flavors.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the green beans in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Check if the beans are heated evenly; if not, continue in 30-second increments.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the green beans evenly on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Set up a steamer basket over boiling water.
  2. Place the green beans in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
  4. Optionally, drizzle with a bit more sesame oil before serving.

• Pot: Used to blanch the green beans in boiling water.

• Colander: Used to drain the blanched green beans.

• Pan: Used to stir-fry the green beans with garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce.

• Spatula: Used to stir and toss the green beans in the pan.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.

• Garlic press: Used to mince the garlic.

• Serving dish: Used to serve the finished green beans.

• Tongs: Used to handle the green beans while blanching and stir-frying.

Blanch in advance: Blanch the green beans ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This way, you can quickly stir-fry them when ready to serve.

Pre-mince garlic: Mince the garlic in bulk and store it in an airtight container. This saves time during meal prep.

Use pre-toasted sesame seeds: Buy toasted sesame seeds to skip the toasting step, saving you a few minutes.

Batch cook: Double or triple the recipe and store portions in the fridge or freezer for quick reheating later.

One-pan method: Use the same pan for blanching and stir-frying to reduce cleanup time.