Plate of green beans with chopsticks

Elevate your dinner with my Asian Style Green Beans! This easy side dish pairs with a variety of proteins, whether it’s shrimp, salmon, or your favorite meat. The true magic of this recipe lies in its incredible sauce, which is the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. To ensure the green beans keep their crunch, we par-boil them for just a few minutes. They should be tender but still have a satisfying bite. Serve these with some rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Why You’ll Love These Green Beans:

This sauce is sweet, spicy, and addictive thanks to a mixture of coconut aminos (soy sauce or tamari work beautifully too), sweet Thai chili sauce, fresh garlic, and nutty sesame oil.

plate of green beans with chopsticks on the side and sesame seeds on top

Additional Tips for Green Beans:

To ensure this flavor-packed sauce clings to the green beans, we add corn starch as our thickener. It helps forms a thicker glaze. If you find the sauce too thick for your liking, you can always add a touch of water to reach your desired consistency.

Now, for the optional yet highly recommended finishing touch: a drizzle of hot honey, which adds a sweet, fiery kick. And don’t forget a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These Asian-inspired green beans are sure to become a mealtime favorite.

Variations and Substitutions

For this Asian Style Green Beans, there are many ways to customize and adapt the recipe to your taste preferences or dietary needs.

  • Use tamari or soy sauce instead of coconut aminos (if you’re making this gluten-free, go with tamari).
  • Leave out the hot honey for a less spicy version.
  • Use sugar snap peas instead of green beans.
  • Add toasted sesame seeds for a stronger sesame flavor.

Best Served With

Common Questions:

Where can I find Coconut Aminos?

I get mine at Healthy Planet or you can find it linked in my Amazon store as well.

Can I use other types of string beans?

Yes, you can use any type of string bean that you like or sugar snap peas.

What can I use as a substitute for sweet Thai chili sauce if I want to make it less spicy?

If you prefer a milder sauce, you can use a sweet chili sauce with less heat or even a combination of honey and mild chili sauce to achieve the desired level of spiciness.

Is there a gluten-free alternative to cornstarch?

Yes, you can use arrowroot powder or potato starch as a gluten-free substitute for cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh ones?

While fresh green beans are recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen green beans in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What are some optional toppings or garnishes to enhance the dish?

You can garnish the dish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or even crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.

a plate of green beans with chopsticks on the side and sesame seeds on top

Asian Style Green Beans

The Modern NonnaThe Modern Nonna
We combine the rich umami notes of coconut aminos (although soy sauce or tamari work beautifully as alternatives), the sweetness of sweet Thai chili sauce, the aroma of fresh garlic, and the subtle nuttiness of sesame oil. It's sweet enough to make your taste buds dance, yet carries a gentle kick of heat that keeps you coming back for more.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American, Chinese, Japanese
Servings 2
Calories 113 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 pan

Ingredients

The Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons coconut aminos tamari or soy sauce is the alternative
  • 2 tablespoons sweet Thai chili sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon corn starch
  • 1 tablespoon water add more if needed

The Beans:

  • 340 grams green beans trimmed (12oz bag)
  • 1 cup water

Instructions
 

The Sauce

  • In a bowl or mason jar, add all of the ingredients for the sauce. Shake or stir well.

The Beans:

  • In a pan on the stove, add enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Add in the trimmed and washed green beans. Put the lid on and let them cook for 3-5 minutes on medium-low heat.
  • You'll know when the beans are cooked when a knife goes through easily. I like mine cooked but firm. The beans should still have a bite to them and not be mushy.
  • If there's any water left in the pan, drain it and add the beans back on the heat. Add in the sauce and stir. If you need to thin out the sauce a bit you can add a touch more water.
  • Serve with sesame seeds and hot honey on top. Enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 113kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 3gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 526mgPotassium: 365mgFiber: 5gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 1173IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 69mgIron: 2mg
Keyword asian green beans, green beans, sweet and spicy green beans
Tried this recipe?Mention @themodernnonna or tag #themodernnonna!
If you love one of my recipes, please leave me a review.
Thank you for bringing me into your kitchen <3

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

The Modern Nonna

Click the icons for my socials

Most Popular

On Key

Recent Posts

Plate of pasta with bacon on top

Carbonara

Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish that is loved in every Italian household. With its origins shrouded in history, this recipe offers a taste

Read More »
picture of ramen soup

Ramen Noodle Soup

This comforting Ramen noodle soup is perfect for those chilly autumn days or when you’re feeling under the weather. This heartwarming bowl of goodness is

Read More »
Share to...