Green Bean Stir Fry with Honey Sesame Sauce
Crisp-tender green beans are stir-fried with garlic and ginger, then coated in a glossy honey sesame sauce. This quick, sweet-and-savory side dish is ready in about 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, optional
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry the green beans, then trim the ends.
- Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl until smooth.
- Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the green beans and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until bright green and crisp-tender with lightly browned or blistered spots.
- Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir the sauce again, then pour it into the pan. Toss continuously for 1–2 minutes until the sauce bubbles, thickens, and evenly coats the green beans.
- Remove from the heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and optional red pepper flakes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Dry the green beans thoroughly before cooking to help them blister instead of steam.
- For a vegan version, replace the honey with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar.
- For extra heat, add 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the honey sesame sauce.
- Bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, or snap peas can be added for additional vegetables.
- Add cooked tofu, chicken, or shrimp and serve with rice or noodles to make a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat briefly in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 145 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
