Japanese-Style Sesame Green Beans

Name: Japanese-Style Sesame Green Beans
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon canola oil; 1.5 teaspoons sesame oil; 1 pound fresh green beans, washed; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon canola oil
1 teaspoons sesame oil
1 pound fresh green beans, washed
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Directions

Warm a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
Once the skillet is hot, pour in the canola and sesame oils.
Carefully place the whole green beans into the skillet, stirring to coat them with the oils.
Cook the beans for about 10 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly browned in spots.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the soy sauce.
Cover the skillet and let the beans sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Transfer the green beans to a serving platter and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	Fat	Carbohydrates	Protein	Sodium	Fiber
97	7g	9g	3g	233mg	4g

Additional Nutritional Information

Vitamin C: 19mg (21% DV)
Calcium: 65mg (5% DV)
Iron: 2mg (9% DV)
Potassium: 256mg (5% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History of the Dish

Japanese-Style Sesame Green Beans are a delicious side dish that blends the vibrant flavors of fresh green beans with the nutty essence of toasted sesame seeds and sesame oil. While the concept of cooking vegetables with sesame flavors has long existed in East Asian cuisine, this dish is a modern, simple take on traditional Japanese side dishes, also known as "tsukemono" (pickled or preserved vegetables). The use of sesame seeds and oil is prevalent in Japanese culinary traditions, where the seeds are often toasted to bring out their full flavor. This dish is not only nutritious but also highlights the Japanese love for simplicity and balance in food, offering an easy way to enjoy the delicate flavors of vegetables enhanced by the depth of sesame oil and soy sauce.

Regional Variations

While the dish is generally associated with Japanese cuisine, it is also enjoyed in other parts of East Asia, especially in Chinese and Korean cuisines where sesame oil is widely used. In Japan, sesame is a key ingredient in many side dishes, from salads to rice toppings, and each region may have its own variations. For instance, in some regions, a touch of sugar may be added to the soy sauce for a sweeter contrast, while in others, a sprinkle of chili flakes can be used to introduce a mild heat. However, the basic concept of combining green beans with sesame remains constant across these variations.

Distinction from Similar Dishes

Japanese-Style Sesame Green Beans stand out from other green bean preparations primarily due to the use of sesame oil, which imparts a unique, toasted, nutty flavor. While green beans are commonly prepared in Western cuisines with butter or garlic, the sesame oil in this dish offers a distinctly Asian flavor profile. Unlike other green bean recipes that may focus on the vegetables crispness, this dish brings a harmonious balance between the slight bitterness of the beans and the rich, savory sesame undertones. Additionally, the inclusion of toasted sesame seeds on top adds both texture and a deeper nutty taste, differentiating it from the usual green bean side dishes.

Common Occasions and Locations

In Japan, this dish is often served as a side during family meals, particularly in conjunction with rice, miso soup, and other vegetable-based dishes. It is also a popular accompaniment at festive meals, such as New Year's celebrations or family gatherings, where a variety of small, colorful side dishes are served. Outside of Japan, Japanese-Style Sesame Green Beans can often be found in Asian fusion restaurants, especially those serving Japanese or Korean cuisines. It has gained popularity in Western countries as a healthy, easy-to-make side dish, often found on the menu in contemporary Japanese restaurants and food markets.

Interesting Facts

Did you know that sesame seeds are one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world? Archaeological evidence suggests they have been used in cooking for over 5,000 years. Not only are they rich in flavor, but they are also packed with nutrients like calcium, iron, and healthy fats. In Japanese culture, sesame seeds are symbolic of longevity and good health. Interestingly, the term "sesame" itself is derived from the Greek word "sesamon," which refers to the plants small, oil-rich seeds. Sesame oil is prized for its ability to enhance the natural flavors of dishes, and its use in Japanese-Style Sesame Green Beans is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can elevate a dish to a whole new level.

FAQ about Japanese-Style Sesame Green Beans

Leftover Japanese-Style Sesame Green Beans should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid overcooking the beans.

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. However, they may release more water during cooking, so it's essential to cook them until the water evaporates, and the beans are heated through before proceeding with the recipe.

If you don't have toasted sesame seeds, you can toast raw sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Yes, you can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the texture of the vegetables you add.

You can substitute sesame oil with another oil like peanut oil or olive oil. However, the sesame oil provides a distinct nutty flavor that is characteristic of this dish, so the taste may change slightly.

To make the dish spicier, you can add red pepper flakes, chili oil, or minced fresh chili peppers when cooking the beans. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the beans and season them, then store in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warm and garnish with sesame seeds.

Yes, you can use vegetable oil, avocado oil, or any neutral oil instead of canola oil. The key is to use an oil that doesn't overpower the flavor of the sesame oil.

If you don't have soy sauce, you can substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. The flavor will vary slightly but will still work well in the dish.

To prevent the beans from becoming mushy, make sure to stir them frequently while cooking and remove them from the heat as soon as they are crisp-tender. If you're using frozen beans, be extra cautious with the cooking time.

Comments

naples34102

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Delicious, pretty and different. I found I needed to cover the pan a few minutes to ensure the beans were cooked crisp-tender before they would turn too brown. I finished these with a dribble of toasted sesame seed oil at the end which really enhanced the flavor, and I believe this would have been kind of boring without it. These were so good and flavorful that this is one of those rare occasions where the addition of garlic wouldn't necessarily have made this any better.

myoldasskitchen

08/31/2024 09:21:11 PM

Toast your sesame seeds if they aren't already toasted it makes all the difference in the world! Otherwise you wont taste the seeds. Just take a clean dry frying pan NO oil and brown seeds for a couple minutes first before cooking beans then set aside for topping

Sherry Cook

12/04/2018 10:34:35 PM

I added garlic and chopped onions which caralamized, then added green beans and followed recipe. My family absolutely loved them and this is now a family favorite

OkinawanPrincess

09/10/2011 10:18:52 PM

During holidays and at family gatherings I recall seeing this dish on the table along with other spreads. The sprinkle of the white sesame seeds always caught my eye -so pretty. If I remember correctly there was also sugar in this sauce. However, I made this dish according to the directions and found that it had the sesame flavor but was lacking something so I went ahead and added a pinch of sugar to the soy sauce mixture. I stirred the mixture and let it sit. I made sure that I sauteed the beans until they were crisp-tender. I toasted the sesame seeds for about 1 minute (over gas stove) and poured it over the string beans. I do not think you need the entire amount of sesame oil when stirring the beans in the skillet. You could just drizzle a little sesame oil on the top right before adding the sesame seeds which adds a nice flavor and pretty presentation. This is such a tasty twist to the same ole' boring bland string beans.. and worth the effort to make it. Just like I remembered....

Lacey

03/04/2020 01:05:21 PM

WOW! This is delicious! I had never thought of sesame oil and green beans but now it is an every day occurrence! I used EVOO instead of canola, just added some sesame oil at the end after steaming the green beans and added garlic (our preference). The sesame seeds and peanuts at the end make this out of this world!!

VesHeill

12/28/2010 10:02:36 AM

Excellent side dish! I used pre-toasted sesame seeds (from the Asian section in my supermarket) but I think they may have been old because I could not smell any sesame to it at all, so I re-toasted them quickly over med/high heat in a nonstick pan and added a drop or two of sesame oil - really brought out the scent and flavor! I brought these to Christmas Eve dinner, and followed another reviwer's suggestion to undercook by a couple of minutes in the pan so that when I reheated in the microwave they were still crisp-tender. I brought a full 2 pounds of these green beans to dinner and not a single bean was leftover. Thanks!

StephanieV

01/26/2014 10:49:25 AM

This is a great recipe and requires little effort. I cut my green beans in half and do find that they need to cook a little bit longer than stated. The only change I make is cook time, adding some fresh minced garlic and using a few drops of sesame oil with the soy sauce at the end for more of the sesame flavor. These are delicious and a hit in my house!

ASHBETH

04/20/2010 05:25:15 PM

This was excellent with some modifications. I used peanut oil instead of canola. I began with green onions and fresh garlic from the farmer's market, letting those brown a bit before I added the green beans. By the time the beans were done, the onions and garlic were nice and carmelized. The cooking method here worked beautifully. Thanks for a terrific jumping off point!

jean66

12/21/2014 04:00:31 PM

A little dull as written. To make it five stars, use 1 T light sesame oil and 1 T toasted sesame oil and add red pepper flakes to give some heat.

Angela K Lightfoot

10/31/2011 05:21:17 AM

Favorite green beans ever I think! Served with Basil chicken over angel hair pasta. I think I will be using sesame oil a lot now....love the flavor! Used 2 cans of green beans....drained one....3t sesame oil...1T canola....sprinkled a little garlic powder...put in slivered almonds and salt...pepper... Fabulous!!!

KimmyVee

09/25/2017 12:49:38 AM

Super easy and delicious. Sesame oil adds a nice flavour. Looks attractive with sesame seeds, and I also added cashews to the top for garnish which looked great and added a nice occasional nutty taste.

lutzflcat

08/03/2025 11:16:15 AM

The green beans were browning too quickly, so be sure to keep them moving in the skillet. I almost forgot the sesame seeds, and just sprinkled some on at the end. They were not toasted, and that made a difference in taste. Not as much Asian flavor as I expected, and I agree with another reviewer that a drizzle of sesame oil at the end may have helped. Still pretty good, but this is a simple side dish where you need to be at the stove stirring for about 10 minutes until they're cooked.

Chaya

07/09/2025 07:03:46 PM

Easy and Delicious! I used frozen green beans, and just sauteed until there was no more extra water in the pan.

Aaron Nelson

09/28/2024 10:29:31 PM

This recipe deserves its own TikTok.

Chel

08/21/2024 05:34:56 PM

we loved it. even my family members who aren't fans of green beans. I used frozen green beans.

Charles Jackson

06/11/2024 01:53:09 PM

Made it and disappeared instantly.

jpdowling

04/15/2024 12:07:49 AM

We love this recipe!!!

BlancaanFam

11/20/2022 12:04:20 AM

This is an all to family favorite!

cdmcnamara

05/13/2022 10:04:10 PM

This recipe was so easy and very tasty. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep work, this dish makes a great healthy weeknight side dish. I will definitely make this again.

Kevin

08/02/2020 10:32:01 PM

It's all right. Easy to make, but not really flavorful.

audio version

Cook Time: 25 minutes