Stir-Fried Garlic Green Beans with Sesame
A quick and easy stir-fry of crisp green beans tossed in fragrant garlic and toasted sesame oil, perfect as a simple side dish. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegan) ready in about 15 minutes pairs trimmed fresh green beans, vegetable oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, trimmed fresh green beans
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz fresh green beans and blanch for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender, then drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add the blanched green beans and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, tossing frequently until the beans are heated through and edges start to blister.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp salt. Toss well to coat evenly and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds on top, and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Garlic Green Beans with Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Garlic Green Beans with Sesame?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep trimmed fresh green beans from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Garlic Green Beans with Sesame?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Stir-Fried Garlic Green Beans with Sesame for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Stir-Fried Garlic Green Beans with Sesame vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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