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To make Spicy Garlic Green Beans, gather these items: - 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (for garnish) - Chopped scallions for garnish When choosing green beans, look for bright color and firmness. Avoid beans that are limp or have dark spots. Fresh beans snap easily when bent. If you can, buy them at local markets. This way, you get the freshest produce. You can swap ingredients to fit your needs. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. If you want a vegan dish, replace honey with maple syrup. For a nutty taste, add a teaspoon of peanut butter to the sauce. This makes the dish richer without adding animal products. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 pound of fresh green beans. Blanch them for about 3 minutes. They should be bright green and slightly tender. Next, prepare a bowl filled with ice water. After blanching, transfer the green beans to this ice bath. This stops the cooking process. Once they are cool, drain the beans and set them aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the following ingredients: - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (you can adjust this to your taste) - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup Mix these well until they are combined. Set the sauce aside for later. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid browning the garlic. You want it fragrant, not burnt. Now, add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss them in the garlic oil. Stir-fry the beans for about 5-7 minutes. They should be heated through and slightly blistered. Pour the prepared sauce over the green beans. Toss them to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. The sauce should be heated through and slightly thickened. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Once done, transfer the spicy garlic green beans to a serving dish. Top with 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds and some chopped scallions for color. You can change the spice level to fit your taste. If you love heat, use more red pepper flakes. For less spice, cut back on the flakes or skip them. Try adding fresh chili for a different kick. Taste as you cook to find the right balance for you. To get green beans just right, blanch them first. This makes them bright and tender. Boil them for about three minutes. Then, shock them in ice water. This helps keep their vibrant color and crisp texture. They should be cooked but still have a nice bite. Garlic is key to this dish. To get the most flavor, mince the garlic finely. Sauté it in olive oil until it is fragrant but not brown. Brown garlic can taste bitter. You can also add more garlic if you want a stronger flavor. Just remember, balance is key! {{image_2}} You can make Spicy Garlic Green Beans a meal by adding protein. Shrimp cooks fast and pairs well with the garlic. Simply toss in shrimp after sautéing the garlic. For chicken, use cooked, diced pieces. Stir them in just before serving for a full dish. This recipe is already close to vegan. Use maple syrup instead of honey for sweetness. You could also swap soy sauce for tamari to keep it gluten-free. These changes keep the flavor strong while fitting a vegan diet. Adding citrus zest can brighten the dish. Try lime or lemon zest for a fresh kick. You can also toss in nuts like cashews or almonds for crunch. Just add them during the last few minutes of cooking. Each of these options gives a new twist to the classic recipe. To keep your spicy garlic green beans fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge. They will stay good for about 3 days. Make sure to let them cool down before sealing. This helps keep their crispness. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them on the stove for the best taste. Just add a splash of water to a skillet over medium heat. This helps steam them and keeps them tender. Heat for about 3-5 minutes until warm. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry. Just place them in a microwave-safe bowl and cover. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to save your green beans for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. They can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat as described above. You can serve Spicy Garlic Green Beans with many dishes. They pair well with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. You might also enjoy them with rice or noodles. This side dish adds color and flavor to any meal. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Blanch the green beans and prepare the sauce. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, sauté the green beans with garlic and add the sauce. This keeps them fresh and delicious. To make Spicy Garlic Green Beans less spicy, reduce the red pepper flakes. You can start with half the amount. Adding a bit more honey or maple syrup can also help balance the heat. Taste as you go to find the right spice level for you. The best way to cut green beans is to trim the ends. Use a sharp knife to cut off about half an inch from each end. This removes any tough parts and keeps the green beans looking nice. You can leave them whole or cut them into smaller pieces if you prefer. This blog post covered how to make Spicy Garlic Green Beans from start to finish. We discussed the best ingredients, fresh bean tips, and dietary options. I also shared step-by-step cooking instructions and ways to add your own twist. Remember to store leftovers properly and try the reheating tips. In the end, these beans can be a fun side dish. Enjoy cooking, experimenting, and sharing your delicious results!

Spicy Garlic Green Beans

Looking to spice up your veggie game? Try these delicious Spicy Garlic Green Beans that are quick to make and bursting with flavor! This easy recipe blends tender green beans with zesty garlic and a kick of heat from red pepper flakes, all in just 20 minutes. Perfect as a side or a main dish. Click through to discover how to create this tasty dish that is sure to impress your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Chopped scallions for garnish

Instructions
 

Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch for about 3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender.

    Shock in Ice Water: Immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain and set aside.

      Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and honey until well combined. Set aside.

        Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

          Cook Green Beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss them in the garlic oil. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until they are heated through and slightly blistered.

            Add Sauce: Pour the sauce over the green beans, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.

              Season: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

                Garnish and Serve: Transfer the spicy garlic green beans to a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions on top for a pop of color.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings