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- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Toasted sesame seeds To make honey garlic green beans, you need fresh green beans. Start with ripe, crisp beans for the best taste. Honey brings sweetness and depth. Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami. Garlic gives a strong flavor that ties it all together. Olive oil helps with sautéing and adds richness. Sesame oil adds a nutty touch. Finally, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. If you want to elevate your dish, consider using toasted sesame seeds. They add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. This combination of ingredients makes the dish sweet and savory, perfect for any meal. 1. First, fill a pot with water and add a good amount of salt. 2. Bring the salted water to a boil. 3. Once it's boiling, add in the fresh green beans. 4. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes. They should be bright green and crisp-tender. 5. Next, prepare a bowl of ice water while the beans cook. 6. Drain the beans and plunge them into the ice water. 7. This ice bath stops the cooking and keeps them crunchy. 8. After a few minutes, drain the beans again and set them aside. 1. In a small bowl, gather your sauce ingredients: honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, and sesame oil. 2. Use a whisk to combine everything. 3. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended. 1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Add a splash of olive oil to the pan. 3. Once the oil is hot, add the blanched green beans. 4. Sauté for 3-4 minutes. Watch them closely as they turn golden. 1. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the green beans. 2. Toss the beans well to coat them evenly. 3. Let them cook for an extra 2-3 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken a bit. 1. Taste the green beans and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. 2. Remove the skillet from heat. 3. Transfer the green beans to a serving platter. 4. If you want, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for extra crunch. When picking green beans, look for bright colors. They should be firm and snap easily. If they look dull or limp, skip them. You can choose from several types, like the classic French green beans or the thicker, crunchy ones called haricots verts. Each has its charm, but they all taste great in this dish. You can adjust the sauce to your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For saltiness, add a touch more soy sauce. You can swap soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. If you want a kick, toss in some red pepper flakes. You can cook the beans on the stovetop or in the oven. Stovetop is quick and easy, while oven roasting gives a different flavor. Watch the beans closely to avoid overcooking; you want them crisp, not mushy. If you overcook them, they lose their bright color and crunch. {{image_2}} You can add protein to honey garlic green beans. Chicken or tofu work well. Simply cook the protein first. Then, toss it with the green beans and sauce. This makes a complete meal. You can also mix in other vegetables. Try bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. They add color and crunch. Just sauté them with the green beans for a few minutes. Different types of honey can change the flavor. Try clover honey for a mild taste. Or go for wildflower honey for a richer flavor. Each honey brings its own unique sweetness. Adding spices can give the dish some heat. Red pepper flakes or a dash of chili powder work great. Start with a small amount, then taste. You can always add more! Honey garlic green beans pair well with many main dishes. Serve them alongside grilled chicken or baked salmon. They also complement rice or quinoa nicely. These green beans are perfect for meal prep. Cook a big batch and store them in the fridge. They taste great reheated and save time during busy weeks. To keep your honey garlic green beans fresh, let them cool first. Then, store them in a container. Use an airtight container to prevent moisture loss. This helps keep them tasty and crisp. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, make sure they are completely cooled before sealing the container. If you want to freeze the green beans, prepare them as usual. Place the cooled green beans in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. To thaw, move the bag to the fridge overnight. For a quick method, place the bag in cold water for a few hours. When ready to eat, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil if they seem dry. Heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Enjoy your delicious green beans! To make honey garlic green beans, follow these simple steps: 1. Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of trimmed fresh green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes. They should look bright green and feel crisp-tender. Quickly drain and plunge them into ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside. 2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Mix until well combined. 3. Sauté the Beans: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the blanched green beans and sauté for about 3-4 minutes. They should start to turn golden. 4. Add the Sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the beans. Toss to coat evenly and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. 5. Season and Serve: Taste the beans and season with salt and pepper. Transfer them to a platter and, if you want, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but there are some tips to keep in mind. - Thaw First: Thaw the green beans before using. This helps avoid excess water in the dish. - Cooking Time: Frozen beans may need extra cooking time compared to fresh ones. Sauté them longer to ensure they heat through and get tender. - Texture: Fresh green beans have a crisper texture, while frozen beans can be softer. Adjust your cooking to match your texture preference. Making honey garlic sauce is easy. Here’s a breakdown of the necessary components: - Honey: Use 3 tablespoons for sweetness. - Soy Sauce: Add 2 tablespoons for saltiness and depth. - Garlic: Use 3 minced cloves for flavor. - Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon adds richness. - Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon provides a nutty note. Combine all these ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Honey garlic green beans work great with many side dishes. Here are some recommendations: - Rice Dishes: Serve with jasmine or brown rice for a filling meal. - Grain Salads: Quinoa or farro salads add texture and nutrition. - Protein Options: Pair with grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a balanced plate. - Other Vegetables: Roasted carrots or sautéed mushrooms complement the flavors well. These sides enhance the meal and create a vibrant dinner experience. In this blog post, we explored how to make honey garlic green beans from scratch. We covered fresh ingredients like green beans, honey, and garlic, along with easy cooking steps and tips for success. I shared ideas for variations and how to store leftovers. This dish is not just tasty; it’s versatile too. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing this dish with your loved ones. Try it today, and enjoy a simple, healthy meal!

Honey Garlic Green Beans

Elevate your dinner with this delicious Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Green Beans recipe! In just 15 minutes, you can create a perfect side dish bursting with flavor. With fresh green beans, honey, soy sauce, and garlic, it’s the ideal combination of sweetness and zest. Perfect for any meal! Click through to discover how to make these irresistible green beans that everyone will love. Don't miss out on this yummy addition to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

3 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.

    Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, and sesame oil until well combined.

      Sauté the Green Beans: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, add the blanched green beans and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to turn golden.

        Add the Sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the green beans and toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the green beans are heated through.

          Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and transfer the green beans to a serving platter. If desired, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for added crunch.

            Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 15 min | Servings: 4