Sesame Green Beans

Look at these beauties!

These Sesame Green Beans are an exercise in simplicity. They are crisp. A little spicy. Pumped up with sesame. And freshened up with a sprinkling of scallions. I love them deeply and I'm sure you will too. 

I was inspired to create this recipe after having a very similar Asian green bean salad from an adorable little market in Maine a couple of summers ago. It was simple and refreshing, perfect as a starter or a side. That's exactly what I wanted with this recipe, with the added bonus of being able to prep this well ahead of time! 

Obviously, the stars of this show are fresh green beans and a bit of sesame oil. I start by quickly steaming the green beans, for just about 5 to 7 minutes, then blanching them in ice water. This will keep them a bright and vibrant green as well as perfectly crispy and toothy. Once the beans are chilled, all that's left to do is whisk up the dressing. Sesame oil, lime juice, a splash of soy sauce, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Simple but composed. The perfect mix of toasty, tart and salty. 

Toss the beans in the dressing. Pop 'em in the fridge to marinate for a few minutes up to a couple of hours. Sprinkle on some sesame seeds and chopped scallions before serving. Give yourself a pat on the back because you just made a bomb.com dish that will make even your pickiest eaters eat their vegetables :-) 

Here's what you need for Sesame Green Beans* (Print Recipe!)

1 pound green beans, trimmed

1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil

juice of half a lime

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1/4 cup olive oil

up to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, depending on how spicy you like it

salt and pepper, to taste

thinly sliced scallions and sesame seeds, for garnish

Here's what you do

Bring a few inches of water to a boil in a medium pot with a steamer basket. Be sure the steamer basket is not touching the water. Place the trimmed green beans in the steamer, cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the beans are bright green and still crisp. Remove the beans from the steamer and submerge in a bowl of ice water. Once the beans have cooled, strain and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, lime juice, and soy sauce. Stream in the olive oil while whisking vigorously to emulsify. Season with red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Toss the green beans in the dressing and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes up to a couple of hours. 

Prior to serving, give the green beans another toss to thoroughly coat in the dressing. Sprinkle with scallions and sesame seeds, enjoy! 

*Gas Stove Girl Original Recipe