Garlic Soy Green Beans with Optional Sesame

Tender-crisp green beans tossed with garlic, soy sauce and sesame.

By Savva LoginovUpdated
Total 25 minMakes 4 servings
Jump to Recipe

These green beans are quickly blanched, then stir-fried with garlic, olive oil and soy sauce until tender-crisp. Blanching keeps the beans bright, while adding the garlic late prevents it from burning. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add beans and blanch 3 to 4 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add beans and cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring, until tender-crisp. Stir in garlic and cook 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Add soy sauce and black pepper; toss 2 minutes until beans are coated. Add optional rice vinegar. Transfer to a platter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Garlic Soy Green Beans with Optional Sesame

Recipe card

Garlic Soy Green Beans with Optional Sesame

Prep 10 minCook 15 minTotal 25 minYield 4 servings
Only numbered ingredient amounts change.

Equipment: Measuring tools, mixing bowl and suitable pan

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Blanch beans

    Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add beans and blanch 3 to 4 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water.

  2. Stir-fry

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add beans and cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring, until tender-crisp.

  3. Add garlic

    Stir in garlic and cook 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.

  4. Season

    Add soy sauce and black pepper; toss 2 minutes until beans are coated. Add optional rice vinegar.

  5. Serve

    Transfer to a platter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

How to tell when it is ready

Cook until tender and evenly heated as described.

Tips

  • Trim stem ends but leave beans whole.
  • Blanch briefly to preserve colour.
  • Dry beans before stir-frying to reduce splatter.
  • Add garlic only after beans are nearly cooked.

Troubleshooting

  • If the mixture is too thick, add liquid gradually.
  • If browning too quickly, lower the heat.

Substitutions

  • Use a compatible neutral oil if needed.
  • Choose suitable alternatives for dietary needs.

Variations

  • Adjust herbs or spices to taste.
  • Add a suitable seasonal ingredient.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve with steamed rice.
  • Pair with tofu, fish or chicken.
  • Add sliced scallions as a garnish.
  • Serve as a warm vegetable side.

Make ahead

Prepare components ahead and refrigerate perishable ingredients; finish shortly before serving.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 days.

Food safety

Contains soy and optional sesame. Refrigerate cooked leftovers promptly.

Frequently asked questions

Can I prepare this ahead?

Prepare components ahead and refrigerate perishable ingredients; finish close to serving.

How should I store green beans with soy sauce?

Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 days.

Serve promptly and refrigerate leftovers safely.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

More from Savva Loginov

image of maple glazed grilled salmon with mustard and lemon

Grilled Maple Salmon with Mustard and Lemon

image of crunchy blt salad with bacon and creamy lemon dressing

BLT Salad with Crisp Bacon and Creamy Dressing

image of rice stuffed chicken thighs with roasted cauliflower florets

Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Rice and Cauliflower

image of crisp salmon cakes with lemon and fresh dill

Salmon Cakes with Lemon, Dill and Crisp Edges

image of honey glazed chicken drumsticks with garlic and ginger

Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Drumsticks with Garlic

image of toasted mushroom sandwich melts with cheddar and thyme

Mushroom Sandwich Melts with Cheddar and Thyme

Spotted a detail that needs correcting? Contact the FeastDelights editors.