Are you looking for a delicious and healthy side dish that's ready in minutes? Look no further! These spicy green beans are bursting with flavor, a fantastic addition to any weeknight dinner, and surprisingly easy to make. Forget bland steamed vegetables; this recipe elevates simple green beans to a culinary delight, perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs seeking a quick and satisfying meal. This recipe offers a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional side dishes, fitting perfectly into your healthy meal plan.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
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Prep the Green Beans: Wash and trim the ends of the green beans. You can snap them off easily by bending the bean until it naturally breaks. For a quicker cooking time, you can even halve or third them lengthwise, depending on their thickness.
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Sauté the Green Beans: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the green beans and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp. Don't overcook them; you want them to retain a slight bite.
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Add the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and black pepper. Pour the sauce over the green beans in the skillet.
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Simmer & Serve: Reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the green beans evenly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a touch more soy sauce or red pepper flakes depending on your preferences.
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Garnish & Enjoy: Remove from heat and garnish with toasted sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately as a delicious and healthy side dish alongside your favorite protein and grain. These spicy green beans pair perfectly with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness. For a milder dish, start with 1/2 teaspoon or less. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Add Protein: Boost the protein content by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as sliced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms, along with the green beans.
- Garlic Lovers: For a stronger garlic flavor, add 1-2 cloves of minced fresh garlic along with the olive oil.
- Citrus Twist: A squeeze of lime juice at the end adds a bright and refreshing flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 100-150
- Protein: 3-5g
- Fat: 5-8g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
- Fiber: 3-5g
This recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, perfect for busy weeknights. It showcases how homemade cooking can be both simple and delicious, providing a healthy and satisfying meal without excessive effort. These spicy green beans are sure to become one of your best recipes. Enjoy!