Sesame-Shiitake Green Beans
Green beans are one of the most common veggies in the U.S.—and they are one of the most commonly overlooked by me. Because of their mild flavor and low number of calories, I’ve assumed that there’s, well, just not that much to them. I’ll go ahead and admit it—I was wrong.
Green beans pack quite a nutritional punch. They are full of vitamin K, vitamin C, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, for starters. And in addition to the health factor, they are also a very diverse ingredient. You can smother them in cream of mushroom soup to make the Southern classic green bean casserole, you can enjoy them just steamed and salted, or you can try them in a variety of Asian-inspired dishes.
This recipe is for the popular dish sesame green beans, but with a twist. I like to add in onions and shiitake mushrooms to give a little more variety to the flavors and textures. Enjoy!
Sesame-Shiitake Green Beans
1 lb. green beans, washed, trimmed, and halved
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1/4 onion, thinly sliced
5 shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
1/2 tsp. sesame oil
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds
Salt and pepper, to taste
•Steam the green beans for 2 to 3 minutes, or until just tender. Set aside.
•In a large skillet or frying pan, add the vegetable oil and bring to medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook for an additional minute.
•Add the green beans, sesame oil, red pepper, and sesame seeds, then toss to coat.
•Season with salt and pepper.
