Imagine a side dish that's so irresistible, it'll make even veggie-skeptics come back for seconds! This Sesame Ginger Green Bean Salad is not just another boring vegetable recipe - it's a flavor explosion that combines the crisp freshness of perfectly blanched green beans with a tantalizing Asian-inspired dressing that will make your taste buds dance. In just 15 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality side dish that's both healthy and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup sliced scallions
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the green beans. Rinse them under cold water and trim the ends. This will ensure they are clean and ready for cooking.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for about 3-5 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. This quick cooking method will help maintain their vibrant color and crunch.
- While the green beans are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and cold water. Once the green beans are done, immediately transfer them to the ice bath using a slotted spoon. This will stop the cooking process and help retain their crispness.
- After the green beans have cooled for a few minutes, drain them well and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sesame oil, grated ginger, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended to create a flavorful dressing.
- Add the cooled green beans to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to ensure the beans are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds and sliced scallions over the salad. Toss again lightly to distribute the toppings evenly throughout the salad.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Serve the Sesame Ginger Green Bean Salad in individual bowls or on a platter. Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.
Tips
- Blanching Perfection: The key to amazing green beans is not overcooking. Watch them closely and remove from boiling water when they're bright green and still have a slight crunch.
- Ice Bath Magic: Always have a prepared ice bath ready. This technique, called "shocking", stops the cooking process instantly and helps maintain the beans' vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Dressing Tip: Whisk your dressing ingredients thoroughly to ensure the flavors are well combined. Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Toasting Sesame Seeds: For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan before sprinkling them over the salad. This brings out their nutty aroma.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 85kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
