Go Back
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and ends removed - 2 tablespoons honey, preferably raw for more flavor - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil - ½ teaspoon sesame oil for nutty flavor - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Toasted sesame seeds for garnish - Green Beans: These provide fiber, vitamins A and C, and minerals like manganese. They help support heart health and digestion. - Honey: Raw honey has antioxidants that can boost your immune system. It adds a natural sweetness that complements the garlic. - Garlic: This adds flavor and has health benefits. Garlic can help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. - Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This adds umami flavor without too much salt, making it great for seasoning. - Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat, it helps to absorb nutrients from the veggies. - Sesame Oil: This oil enhances the dish with a rich, nutty flavor, making it even more appealing. - Red Pepper Flakes: They add a spicy kick, enhancing the flavor profile of the dish. - Green Beans: You can use snap peas or asparagus for a different texture. - Honey: Maple syrup works well for a vegan option, providing a similar sweetness. - Garlic: Garlic powder can be used, though fresh garlic is best for flavor. - Soy Sauce: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers the same salty flavor. - Olive Oil: Avocado oil or vegetable oil can be used if you prefer. - Sesame Oil: If unavailable, you can skip it or use a little extra olive oil. - Red Pepper Flakes: If you prefer no heat, simply omit them. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Rinse the green beans: Start by rinsing 1 pound of fresh green beans under cold water. This helps remove any dirt. 2. Trim the ends: Use kitchen scissors or a knife to remove both ends of the beans. This step is simple but makes a big difference. 3. Prepare an ice bath: Fill a bowl with cold water and ice cubes. This will keep your beans bright and crisp. 4. Blanch the green beans: Boil a pot of water. Once it’s boiling, add the beans and cook for 3-4 minutes. They should turn a vibrant green. 5. Ice bath plunge: Drain the beans and quickly place them in the ice bath. This stops the cooking and keeps them crunchy. 1. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of honey, 3 finely minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and ½ teaspoon sesame oil. Add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Whisk until smooth. 2. Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the blanched green beans. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. 3. Add the sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the warm beans. Toss gently to coat them evenly. Cook for another 3-4 minutes to let the sauce thicken. 4. Season to taste: Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the beans. Taste and adjust as needed. 5. Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the honey garlic green beans to a serving platter. - Garnish: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for crunch and visual appeal. - Presentation: Use a white serving dish to highlight the colors of the beans and sauce. - Pairing: These green beans pair well with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a complete meal. Enjoy this dish fresh for the best flavor and texture! To make your honey garlic green beans pop, use fresh ingredients. Fresh green beans taste better and have more crunch. Raw honey has a richer flavor than processed honey. For an extra kick, add more red pepper flakes. You can also drizzle a bit of lemon juice before serving for brightness. Blanching the green beans helps keep their bright color. This method also makes them tender yet crisp. After blanching, a quick sauté in a hot skillet adds a nice gloss. Use medium heat to prevent burning the garlic. Toss the beans gently with the sauce to coat evenly. This ensures every bite is flavorful. Avoid overcooking the green beans. They should stay bright green and crisp. If you skip the ice bath, the beans may lose their vibrant color. Don’t add too much salt until the end. Soy sauce already brings saltiness, so taste first. Lastly, don’t rush the sauce; let it thicken a bit for better flavor. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Beans: Always select crisp, vibrant green beans for the best flavor and texture. The fresher the beans, the more delightful the dish will be! Perfectly Blanch: Make sure to plunge the beans into ice water immediately after boiling to lock in that bright green color and crispness. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings or spices in the honey garlic sauce to suit your taste. A splash of rice vinegar can add a nice tang! Serving Suggestions: Pair these green beans with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal, or serve them as a vibrant side dish at your next gathering. {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to your honey garlic green beans. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu work well. For chicken, slice it into thin strips. Cook it in the skillet before adding green beans. For shrimp, just toss them in with the beans. Tofu can be cubed and sautéed until golden before mixing. This adds heartiness to the dish. Switching flavors can make this dish new each time. Try adding ginger for a spicy kick. You can also use lime juice instead of soy sauce for a zesty taste. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar can give it a sweet tang. Experimenting with flavors keeps your meals exciting and fresh. Using seasonal ingredients enhances flavor and freshness. In spring, add asparagus for a crunchy texture. In summer, mix in cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness. During fall, you can swap green beans for Brussels sprouts. Each season offers unique tastes that can elevate your honey garlic green beans. Once you finish your meal, let the honey garlic green beans cool down. Place them in an airtight container. Store the container in the fridge. They will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy your dish later, make sure to seal it tightly. This helps retain the flavor and texture. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, you have a few options. The best method is to use a skillet. Heat it over medium heat, then add the beans. Stir them gently until they are warm. You can also use a microwave. Place the beans in a bowl and cover with a microwave-safe lid. Heat for about 1 to 2 minutes. Check if they are warm enough, then enjoy! If you want to keep your honey garlic green beans longer, freezing is a great option. First, cool the beans completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. These beans can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat them, thaw the beans in the fridge overnight. Reheat them as mentioned earlier for the best taste. You can pair honey garlic green beans with many dishes. They work well with grilled chicken or fish. They also complement rice or quinoa nicely. For a complete meal, serve them with a protein and a starch. The sweet and savory flavor of the beans adds balance to your plate. Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan. Simply replace honey with maple syrup. This swap keeps the sweet flavor intact. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based. Use low-sodium soy sauce and olive oil as they are. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without animal products. Honey garlic green beans can last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. When you reheat, give them a quick sauté to regain their crispness. If they start to lose color or texture, it’s time to toss them. In this article, we explored the ingredients, preparation, and serving ideas for honey garlic green beans. We discussed the benefits of each ingredient and offered substitutions. You learned cooking steps and tips for enhancing flavors. We also shared variations and storage info to keep your dish fresh. For great meals, remember these key points. Enjoy your cooking and have fun with flavors!

Honey Garlic Green Beans Delight

A delicious and vibrant dish featuring fresh green beans tossed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and ends removed
  • 2 tablespoons honey, preferably raw for more flavor
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil for nutty flavor
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • to taste Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Begin by rinsing the green beans under cold water and trimming both ends. Prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with cold water and ice cubes. Blanch the green beans in a pot of vigorously boiling water for about 3-4 minutes until they turn vibrant green and are just tender but still crisp. Once done, immediately drain and plunge the beans into the ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their bright color.
  • In a separate small bowl, combine the honey, finely minced garlic, low-sodium soy sauce, olive oil, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended into a smooth sauce.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add the blanched green beans, sautéing them for about 2-3 minutes until they are warmed through and start to glisten.
  • Carefully pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the green beans, tossing them gently to ensure that they are evenly coated. Continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly while the beans absorb all the tantalizing flavors.
  • Season the mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring balance in flavors.
  • Once cooked to your satisfaction, remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the delectable honey garlic green beans onto a serving platter. For a delightful crunch and an appealing visual finish, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds generously over the top.

Notes

For a vibrant display, use a white serving dish to contrast the green of the beans and the golden hues of the sauce.
Keyword green beans, honey garlic, vegetable side