Are you looking for a delicious and healthy side dish that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! These spicy green beans are the perfect addition to any meal, offering a vibrant flavor profile and a satisfying crunch. This recipe is simple enough for beginner cooks but flavorful enough to impress even seasoned chefs. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best, delivering a delicious dish without any fuss. This recipe easily fits into your healthy meals plan, making it a perfect choice for a quick dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prep the Green Beans: Wash and trim the ends of the green beans. Snap them in half if they are very long.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Add the Green Beans: Add the green beans to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until they start to slightly soften.
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Spice it Up: Stir in the chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the green beans evenly.
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Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately as a delicious and easy side dish.
Cooking Tips for the Best Spicy Green Beans:
- Don't overcook the green beans: Overcooked green beans will be mushy. Aim for a tender-crisp texture.
- Adjust the spice level: Start with a smaller amount of chili garlic sauce and red pepper flakes and add more to your liking. Taste as you go!
- Toast your sesame seeds: Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their flavor and aroma. Simply dry-toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until they are lightly golden brown.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions to this recipe.
Variations:
- Garlic Lovers: Add more garlic! Two or three cloves would be amazing.
- Citrus Zing: A squeeze of lime or lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavor.
- Peanut Butter Power: For a creamy, nutty twist, stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter towards the end of cooking.
- Ginger Snap: A teaspoon of grated fresh ginger adds a wonderful warmth and complexity.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutrition calculator for precise values based on your exact ingredients and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
- Fiber: 3-5g
These spicy green beans are a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and best recipes. They're quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor – perfect for weeknight dinners or as a side for any special occasion. Enjoy!