Garlic green beans are a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish that's perfect for any occasion. Their vibrant green color and satisfying crunch make them a welcome addition to both casual weeknight dinners and elegant holiday feasts. This recipe elevates the humble green bean with the pungent aroma and savory bite of garlic, creating a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. The subtle sweetness of the beans perfectly complements the garlic's sharp edge, resulting in a balanced and addictive taste that will have you coming back for more. Forget bland boiled green beans; this recipe promises a flavor explosion in every bite.
This recipe offers a quick and easy method for preparing juicy, garlicky green beans, maximizing their deliciousness without unnecessary fuss. Ready to transform your green beans from ordinary to extraordinary? Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions and create a side dish that will steal the show!
Tools Needed
- Large pot
- Frying pan
- Bowl
Ingredients
- Green beans: 1 pound (425 grams)
- Water
- Salt: 1/2 tablespoon
- Korean soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Brown sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Doenjang (Korean soybean paste): 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper
- Beef bouillon powder (optional): 1/4 teaspoon
- Onion: 1/2 medium
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Cooking oil: 1 tablespoon
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Sesame oil (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients and Sauce
- Cut green beans in half lengthwise.
- Prepare the stir-fry sauce by mixing soy sauce, water, brown sugar, doenjang, black pepper, and optional beef bouillon powder.
- Thinly slice onion and garlic.
Step 2. Blanch and Cool the Green Beans
- Blanch green beans in boiling salted water for 1 minute. (Adding salt keeps them green and enhances flavor.)
- Immediately transfer blanched beans to a bowl of ice water to cool.
Step 3. Sauté Aromatics and Simmer Sauce
- Heat oil in a frying pan. Sauté onions with a pinch of salt and pepper for about 1 minute.
- Push onions to one side of the pan, lower heat to medium. Add stir-fry sauce and garlic; simmer for 30 seconds.
Step 4. Combine and Finish
- Add blanched green beans to the pan and sauté for 1 minute.
- Turn off heat and gently toss to combine.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sesame oil (optional).
Read more: Korean Suyuk (수육): Perfect Thinly Sliced Pork Belly
Tips
- Don't overcook the green beans to maintain their crunch and vibrant color.
- Yondu (plant-based flavor enhancer) can be substituted for beef bouillon powder.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
2. What if I don't have sesame oil?
You can substitute with another neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil, but the sesame oil adds a distinct flavor that's part of the Korean flair.
3. How can I make this spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for extra heat.
This simple recipe delivers a burst of flavor that elevates the humble green bean to a culinary star. Enjoy these juicy garlic green beans as a delicious side dish to any meal, impressing your friends and family with minimal effort. From now on, your green beans will never be boring again!