Sesame Green Beans Recipe from China | Ingredients: Green Beans, Bell Pepper, Sesame Oil

Sesame green beans

Sesame Green Beans Recipe from China | Ingredients: Green Beans, Bell Pepper, Sesame Oil
Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 2 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sesame green beans
Sesame green beans

Sesame green beans is a delicious and nutritious side dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. The combination of fresh green beans, toasted sesame seeds, and red bell pepper creates a dish that is both visually appealing and satisfying to the taste buds.

History

Sesame green beans is a popular dish in Asian cuisine, particularly in Chinese and Japanese cooking. The use of sesame seeds and sesame oil adds a nutty flavor to the dish, while the red bell pepper adds a pop of color and sweetness. This dish is often served as a side dish alongside main courses such as stir-fries or grilled meats.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Trim the green beans and blanch them in boiling water for approximately 2 minutes. Drain the beans and rinse them under cold water. Place the beans in a serving bowl along with the bell pepper and toss them with the remaining ingredients. The food exchange per serving is 1 vegetable exchange and 1 fat exchange. The nutritional values per serving are: 84 calories, 0 mg cholesterol, 7 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein, 305 mg sodium, and 4 g fat.

Variations

  • Add sliced almonds or cashews for added crunch.
  • Substitute the red bell pepper with thinly sliced carrots or snap peas for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to blanch the green beans for just 2 minutes to ensure they are cooked but still crisp.

- Toasting the sesame seeds before adding them to the dish will enhance their flavor.

- Tossing the green beans and bell pepper in sesame oil at the end will add a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Sesame green beans can be served alongside grilled chicken, tofu, or fish for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching the green beans before tossing them with the other ingredients ensures they are cooked but still crisp.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use frozen green beans in place of fresh if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Sesame green beans can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with additional toasted sesame seeds for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Sesame green beans pair well with dishes such as teriyaki chicken, shrimp stir-fry, or beef and broccoli.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of sesame green beans contains 84 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of sesame green beans contains 7 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of sesame green beans contains 4 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of sesame green beans contains 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Sesame green beans are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.

Alergens

This recipe contains sesame seeds and sesame oil, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Sesame green beans are a low-calorie, nutrient-rich side dish that is high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Sesame green beans are a flavorful and nutritious side dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for any meal. Enjoy the combination of fresh green beans, toasted sesame seeds, and red bell pepper in this delicious recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Sesame Green Beans. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her cozy little kitchen. Martha was known far and wide for her delicious home-cooked meals, and she had a knack for creating dishes that were both simple and flavorful.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the most wonderful aroma. Martha was standing at the stove, stirring a large pot of green beans in a fragrant sesame sauce. The beans sizzled and popped as they cooked, releasing a mouth-watering scent that made my stomach growl.

"Come, sit down, my dear," Martha said with a smile as she noticed me standing there, entranced by the delicious smell. "I'm just finishing up these sesame green beans. Would you like to try some?"

I eagerly accepted her offer and took a seat at her kitchen table. Martha served me a heaping portion of the green beans, and as soon as I took my first bite, I knew I had to have the recipe.

"These are incredible, Martha," I said between bites. "Would you mind sharing the recipe with me?"

Martha chuckled and shook her head. "Oh, my dear, you know I don't usually give away my secrets. But for you, I'll make an exception. Let me write it down for you."

And just like that, Martha scribbled down the recipe for her sesame green beans on a scrap of paper and handed it to me with a wink.

"Remember, the key is in the sesame oil and soy sauce," she said. "Don't skimp on those ingredients, and you'll have a dish that will impress even the pickiest of eaters."

I thanked Martha profusely and promised to try out the recipe as soon as I got back home. And true to my word, I did just that. I gathered all the ingredients I needed, including fresh green beans, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for garnish.

As I cooked, I could almost hear Martha's voice in my head, guiding me through each step of the recipe. I sautéed the green beans in the fragrant sesame oil until they were tender-crisp, then added the soy sauce and garlic for an extra punch of flavor. Finally, I sprinkled the sesame seeds on top for a bit of crunch and visual appeal.

When I took my first bite of the finished dish, I was transported back to Martha's kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells and sounds of home cooking. The sesame green beans were just as delicious as I remembered, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Martha's sesame green beans for countless family gatherings and dinner parties. Each time, they are met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe. And as I watch my loved ones enjoy each bite, I can't help but feel grateful for the wonderful friends and mentors who have shared their recipes and culinary wisdom with me over the years.

So, whenever I make a batch of sesame green beans, I am not just cooking a dish – I am honoring a tradition of sharing and connection that has been passed down through generations. And I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

And for that, I am truly thankful. Thank you, Martha, for showing me the way to these delicious sesame green beans. Your recipe will forever hold a special place in my heart and in my kitchen.

Categories

| Chinese Recipes | Green Bean Recipes | Low-calorie Recipes | Sesame Oil Recipes |

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