Spicy Green Beans with Sesame Walnuts

I still haven’t figured out why green beans are such a Thanksgiving staple when really, summer is their prime! As they flood the farmers market and the garden, I’m continually on the hunt for new ways to eat them, and have found these blistered, Spicy Green Beans with Sesame Walnuts to be a real winner.

You may know these long, green-hued beans as string beansor snap beans, terms used interchangeably to refer to the them.

Fresh green beans are incredibly versatile! Steamed and tossed in salted butter, or deep fried and crispy. Perhaps you love the crunch of raw beans in summer salads, or pickled. And I’m guessing you’ll turn on your oven even with the summer heat for them, to spark deep flavor through roasting.

Walnuts are adaptable too, and can be enjoyed raw or toasted, pureed into pestos and sauces, or seasoned for a sweet or savory kick to complement any dish (like this one!).

Most recently I’ve been making these Spicy Green Beans with Sesame Walnuts as a side dish to anything we grill, with gluten-free ramen, or on top of steamed rice (I LOVE rice and could eat it every single day).

By blistering the green beans in a hot skillet, they take on a delicious, smoky flavor that is balanced by the rich flavors of the sesame walnuts. You’ll hear them crackle and pop, signaling you’re on the right track.

Because the beans are blanched first, they keep their vibrant green color, even after they’re charred.

Once this step is complete, you’ll add the key components that give this dish all sorts of Asian-inspired, spicy flavor, including:

• tamari
• sliced garlic
• ginger
• rice wine vinegar
• chili flakes
• sesame seeds

For added texture, the sesame walnuts (walnuts are the only nut to provide a significant amount of the plant-based omega-3 fatty ALA (2.5g/oz) are the perfect way to finish these greens beans. Toasted in the oven, with a light coating of sesame oil and sriracha, they’re absolutely delicious. Don’t just reserve them for this recipe! They’d be a great addition to salads, or as a soup garnish.

*Storage Tip: When you buy raw walnuts, be sure to store them in the refrigerator or freezer to preserve their freshness. Heat causes the fat in walnuts to change structure, which creates off odors and flavors, which is why you don’t want to store them in your pantry. Fresh walnuts smell mildly nutty and taste sweet.

These ingredients are a unique way to dress up green beans that still allows the full, fresh flavor of the beans to shine!

If you make this Spicy Green Beans recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram with hashtag #heartbeetkitchen, or @heartbeetkitchen!

Spicy Green Beans with Sesame Walnuts

Fresh green beans are charred in a skillet and tossed with tamari, chili flakes, and ginger.

4.50 from 12 votes

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Prep Time :5 minutes

Cook Time :20 minutes

Total Time :25 minutes

Yield: 5 servings

Author: Amanda Paa

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Ingredients

Sesame Walnuts

• 3/4 cup raw walnuts
• 1 teaspoon sriracha
• 1 tablespoon tamari
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

Green Beans

• 1 pound fresh green beans
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped ginger
• 2 tablespoons tamari
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

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Instructions 

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
• Stir together sriracha, tamari, and sesame oil. Toss walnuts with the mixture. Spread on baking sheet, and roast for 6-7 minutes, until fragrant.
• Prepare an ice bath. Bring a large pot of water to boil, with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Add green beans, and cook for 3 minutes. Drain and immediately put green beans into ice bath.
• Once cool, remove green beans and lightly pat dry.
• Heat a cast iron skillet to medium-high, and once it is very hot (you’ll see a little smoke) add green beans, and let cook on each side until charred and blistered. You’ll likely have to do this in two batches, as pan may not be big enough to put all in it at once.
• Keep pan on the stove, but move to an area off the heat. Push green beans to the side of the skillet, and add olive oil to the other side. Add garlic and ginger, and let cook for one minute, then stir everything together.
• Add tamari, vinegar, red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, and stir to coat. Toss with chopped sesame walnuts and serve.