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Garlic green beans with garlic, sesame seeds and red pepper flakes
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5 from 24 votes

Garlic green beans recipe

Easy recipe for five-ingredient garlic green beans. Tender green beans are sautéed with lots of garlic, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes and herbs.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Vegetable side
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 38kcal
Author: Vaishali · Holy Cow Vegan

Equipment

  • Large pot (for water to blanche green beans)
  • Bowl (for cold water and/or ice)
  • Wok or large skillet

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds green beans (trimmed but left whole. You can also cut the beans in bite-sized pieces an inch long if that's your preference)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 heaping tablespoons garlic (crushed or minced)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (I used sage and chives)
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Place a large pot of salted water to boil. When it comes to a boil, add the green beans, return to a boil, and cook for 3-5 minutes or until the beans break easily and are tender inside but still have a good bite to them. Strain the beans and place in cold, preferably iced, water so they don't cook any more.
    Photo of green beans blanching.
  • Place extra virgin olive oil and garlic in a wok or large skillet. Sauté over medium-low heat until the garlic becomes very aromatic and colors lightly. Add the red pepper flakes and sesame seeds to the wok, stir-fry for a minute. Then add the herbs and mix.
    Photo of garlic and herbs sauteing in oil.
  • Add blanched green beans (all water drained) to the wok or skillet. Add salt to taste and, if you wish, a dash of ground black pepper. Use a pair of tongs to mix the green beans with the herbs and sesame seeds so all the beans are evenly coated. Let the beans warm through, then turn off heat.
    Green beans in wok.

Notes

Variations:
  • Parmesan green beans: For cheese lovers, sprinkle on a handful of vegan parmesan cheese after the beans are ready.
  • Top with caramelized onions: This adds some wonderful sweetness and more texture.
  • Top with nuts. Sliced, lightly toasted almonds, walnuts or pecans are a delicious topping for the garlic green beans.

Nutrition

Calories: 38kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 165mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 546IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg