Quick Miso Green Beans: Flavorful Side Dish Recipe (Print Version)

Quick Miso Green Beans are a flavorful side dish! This easy recipe brings umami depth to your table in minutes. Perfect for any weeknight meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (use tamari)

# Ingredients:

→ Fresh Produce

01 - 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
02 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Miso Glaze Essentials

03 - 2 tbsp white miso paste
04 - 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
05 - 1 tbsp mirin
06 - 1 tsp sesame oil
07 - 1 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or grapeseed) for sautéing

→ Finishing Touches

08 - 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

→ Optional Extras

09 - Pinch of red pepper flakes
10 - Squeeze of fresh lime juice

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those beautiful green beans ready. Give them a good wash under cold water, then snap off those tough ends. Honestly, I find it a bit meditative, snapping away. Make sure they're mostly dry before they hit the pan, or you'll get more steam than sear, and we want that lovely char!
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the white miso paste, soy sauce (or tamari), mirin, and sesame oil. This is where the flavor party starts! I always give it a taste here, maybe adding a tiny splash more mirin if the miso is super salty. You want it smooth and glossy, no lumps allowed, my friend.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Once it's shimmering, toss in your minced garlic. Oh, the smell! It's that warm, inviting aroma that just makes your kitchen feel like home. Be quick here, garlic burns fast, and a burnt garlic taste? Not what we're going for with our delightful Miso Green Beans.
04 - Add the prepped green beans to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. We're looking for them to get tender-crisp, with a few lovely charred spots. That char adds so much character, honestly. Don't overcrowd the pan, or they'll steam instead of getting that gorgeous color!
05 - Once the beans are just right, pour that glorious miso glaze over them. Toss everything together quickly to coat every single bean evenly. This step happens fast, so be ready! The sauce will thicken slightly and cling to the beans, making them irresistibly glossy.
06 - Transfer your beautiful Miso Green Beans to a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for that extra crunch and visual appeal. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, because why not? Serve them immediately and watch them disappear!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the pan; it steams instead of searing!
02 - You can prep the miso glaze a day ahead, just store it in the fridge.
03 - No mirin? A pinch of sugar and a splash of rice vinegar works in a pinch.
04 - A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds makes them look extra fancy, honestly.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - mixing bowl

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 120
Total Fat: 7g
Total Carbohydrate: 10g
Protein: 4g