A delightful and easy-to-make side dish featuring green beans with an Asian-inspired twist.
Steam the green beans until they are bright green and slightly tender.
Steaming the beans briefly helps retain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
Immediately transfer the steamed beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
Shocking the beans in ice water ensures they remain crisp and vibrant.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
Using a non-stick skillet can help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Sauté the garlic and ginger in the skillet until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
Add the green beans, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, and water to the skillet.
Stir the beans frequently to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce.
Cook until the liquid has evaporated and the beans are heated through.
Cooking off the liquid concentrates the flavors and helps the sauce adhere to the beans.
Transfer the beans to a serving dish and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.
Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavor and adds a nice crunch.
Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful Asian-Style Sautéed Green Beans.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated if needed.