Sesame Green Beans

I am constantly on the hunt for healthy dishes that are quick to whip up, yet still incredibly delicious. When you find one of those recipes that checks all the boxes (easy, healthy, and yummy) you know it’s a winner. That’s how I feel about Sesame Green Beans.

Not only is this dish loaded with fantastic flavors, but it comes together in just 15 minutes. This flavorful savory dish has quickly become a fan favorite in my house. Even the girls can’t seem to get enough, which is definitely saying something!

Serve these green beans alongside a bowl of brown rice or Cauliflower Fried Rice and grilled or roasted meat for an easy and delicious meal. You could also serve them on their own as a healthy snack or appetizer. The choice is yours!

Key Ingredients

To make this green bean recipe, you will need the following key ingredients:

• Green beans. Green beans are a terrific source of both vitamin K and calcium, making them great for maintaining strong, healthy bones. Feel free to swap them out for another green veggie like broccoli, asparagus, or brussels sprouts.
• Sesame oil. A classic in Asian cuisine, the rich and nutty flavors of this oil give this dish its signature flavor.
• Soy sauce. I like to use low-sodium soy sauce to avoid making this dish too salty. The umami flavors perfectly compliment the sesame oil for a delicious Asian-inspired side dish.
• Garnish. To finish this dish off, I recommend garnishing with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Not only does it compliment the nutty flavors of the sesame oil, but it adds a nice crunch as well.

How to Serve Sesame Green Beans

Sesame Green Beans are an easy and delicious side dish that will complement many of your favorite entrées. To get you started, here are some of my favorite dishes to serve with green beans:

• Fried rice. I love pairing veggies with a bowl of rice, but Sesame Green Beans call for a little something special. Try serving this dish alongside some Cabbage Fried Rice or Pork Fried Rice.
• Protein. To make a well-balanced and low-carb meal, serve these green beans with your favorite Asian-inspired protein recipes. Personally, I recommend this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken or some Slow Cooker Char Siu Pork.
• Dipping sauce. Serve these green beans on their own for a quick and easy snack or appetizer. If you want to pair them with a dipping sauce, try mixing sriracha and mayonnaise for an easy spicy mayo.
• Bowls. Sesame Green Beans are a delicious way to add some flavor and crunch to these Asian Rice Bowls (Build Your Own).

How to Store Leftover Green Beans

Find yourself with leftover green beans? Well, luckily for you, storing this dish is a breeze. Simply seal up the leftovers in an airtight storage bag or container. Then, you can store them in one of two ways:

• In the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
• In the freezer for up to 3 months.

Health Benefits of Green Beans

Green beans are a household favorite for many, but have you ever wondered what they actually do for your body? These tasty veggies are loaded with vitamins and minerals that come with a wide range of benefits.

Some of the most impressive health benefits of green beans include:

• Weight management. Green beans are low in calories, have virtually no fat, and have very little sugar, making them an incredibly nutrient-dense food that is great for managing your weight.
• Heart health. Green beans contain no cholesterol and are rich in fiber, which makes them terrific for supporting heart health and potentially lowering blood sugar.
• Bone health. Green beans contain high amounts of vitamin K, which is known to improve bone health and protect against bone fractures.
• Plant based iron. You heard right! Green beans are a terrific source of iron.
• Antioxidant rich. It might not surprise you to hear that green beans are chock-full of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll, in turn, can potentially block the carcinogenic effects of other foods. Plus green beans are packed with antioxidants.