Sesame Ginger Green Beans

Ingredients

Green beans

1 pound, trimmed

Sesame oil

2 tablespoons

Garlic

3 cloves, minced

Fresh ginger

1 tablespoon, grated

Soy sauce

3 tablespoons

Sesame seeds

2 tablespoons, toasted

Red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon (optional, for heat)

Scallions

2, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2 minutes to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat until shimmering.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
4. Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, followed by the soy sauce. Stir well to coat the beans in the sauce, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the beans are heated through.
5. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and stir to combine.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top. Garnish with sliced scallions for a fresh finish.
7. Serve immediately as a vibrant side dish to accompany your favorite Asian-inspired main courses.