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To make honey garlic green beans, gather these items: - 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed - 3 tablespoons honey - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish) - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) You will need a few key tools for this dish: - A large pot for boiling water - A bowl filled with ice water for blanching - A large skillet for stir-frying - A knife and cutting board for chopping ingredients - Measuring spoons for precise amounts I always prefer fresh green beans for this recipe. Fresh beans taste better and have a nice crunch. You can find them at local markets or grocery stores. If fresh beans are not available, frozen green beans can work too. Just make sure to thaw them first. Blanching is still important to keep the vibrant green color. This step helps the beans stay crisp and tasty! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water boils, add 1 pound of fresh green beans. Cook them for about 3 minutes. They should turn bright green and stay tender-crisp. This step helps keep the beans crunchy. After cooking, quickly transfer the green beans to a bowl filled with ice water. This stops the cooking process. Drain the beans and set them aside. Next, take 4 cloves of garlic and mince them. Grate 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger. These two ingredients add a lot of flavor. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté them for about 1 minute. You want them to be fragrant but not burnt. Now, add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss them with the garlic and ginger mixture. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, drizzle in 3 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Stir-fry the green beans until they are well-coated. This should take about 2 to 3 more minutes. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the green beans to a dish. Top with 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions for garnish. Enjoy your honey garlic green beans! To get crisp green beans, start by blanching them. Boil them in salted water for about 3 minutes. This quick cooking keeps them bright and crunchy. After boiling, move them to ice water right away. This step halts the cooking process and locks in the color. When they cool, drain them well before cooking with garlic and ginger. To boost the taste, use fresh garlic and ginger. Their flavors really shine in this dish. You can also try adding a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy kick. If you want more depth, add a dash of chili flakes. This gives a little heat that pairs well with the honey. Experiment with these additions to find your favorite flavor profile. One common mistake is overcooking the green beans. If they get too soft, they lose their crunch. Another mistake is not draining the beans well after blanching. Excess water can make the dish watery and less tasty. Finally, be careful not to burn the garlic. It can turn bitter and ruin the dish. Keep an eye on it while cooking to ensure it stays golden and fragrant. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Green Beans: Select bright green beans that are firm and crisp for the best flavor and texture. Control Garlic Cooking Time: Garlic can burn quickly; sauté just until fragrant to avoid bitterness. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can increase or decrease the amount of honey in the recipe. Garnish for Flavor: Enhance the dish's presentation and flavor by adding toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions before serving. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to honey garlic green beans. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu work well. Start by cooking the protein first in the skillet. Sauté it until fully cooked before adding garlic and ginger. Then, toss in the green beans and follow the rest of the recipe. This way, you'll have a complete meal that's tasty and filling. You can switch up the sauces for different flavors. Try using teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce. This gives a sweet and savory twist. You could also use coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or sriracha. Experimenting with these options can create a new favorite dish. If you want a lighter dish, there are easy swaps to make. Use agave nectar instead of honey for a vegan option. You can also replace olive oil with cooking spray to cut calories. Low-sodium soy sauce helps reduce sodium levels. Lastly, consider adding more veggies like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrients. These swaps keep the dish healthy without losing flavor. To keep your honey garlic green beans fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure the beans cool down completely before sealing. This step helps prevent moisture build-up, which can make them soggy. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, use a skillet for reheating. Heat it on medium-low. Add a splash of water or a little olive oil to the pan. This method keeps the beans tender and tasty. Stir them for about 3 to 5 minutes until they are warm. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the beans mushy. You can freeze honey garlic green beans if you want to save some for later. First, blanch them as you did in the recipe. After cooling, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet. This way, you can enjoy this dish even later! Yes, you can! This recipe works well with other veggies. Try using broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. You want them to stay bright and crisp, just like the green beans. Absolutely! These honey garlic green beans are great for meal prep. They store well in the fridge for up to four days. Just reheat them in a pan or microwave. They taste just as good the next day! You can add some heat easily! Try mixing in red pepper flakes or Sriracha. Start with a small amount, then taste. You can always add more if you want it spicier. This will give your dish a nice kick! The ingredients and step-by-step instructions make it easy to cook honey garlic green beans. Remember key tips for perfect texture and flavor. Use my suggestions for variations and substitutions to suit your taste and diet. Proper storage helps you enjoy leftovers later. As you try this recipe, explore new ideas to make it your own. Cooking can be fun, and this dish shows how simple ingredients can shine. Happy cooking!

Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Green Beans

A delicious blend of sweet honey and savory garlic with fresh green beans.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by blanching the green beans. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the green beans for about 3 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp.
  • Immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and sesame oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss them with the garlic and ginger mixture. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Drizzle in the honey and soy sauce. Continue to stir-fry the green beans until evenly coated and heated through, about 2-3 more minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
  • Transfer the green beans to a serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish.

Notes

Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
Keyword green beans, honey garlic, vegetable side