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If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy side dish, Steamed Green Beans with Garlic & Oyster Sauce is a must-try! This dish brings out the natural sweetness and crunch of fresh green beans while adding rich, savory flavors from garlic, sesame oil, and oyster sauce. A touch of red chili flakes gives it a gentle heat, making every bite a perfect balance of savory, slightly spicy, and aromatic flavors.
One of the best things about this dish is how simple and fuss-free it is. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of cooking, you get a side dish that tastes like something from your favorite Asian restaurant. Plus, steaming the green beans keeps them vibrant and crisp while preserving their nutrients.
A Quick & Flavorful Asian-Inspired Side Dish!
These green beans are incredibly versatile—they pair well with steamed rice, grilled meats, seafood, or tofu, making them a great addition to any meal. Whether you’re cooking a quick weekday dinner or planning a special meal for family and friends, this dish is an easy way to bring big flavor to your plate without much effort.
So, if you want a simple yet flavorful side that’s both healthy and satisfying, let’s get steaming and enjoy a homemade favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – This dish comes together in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
Healthy & Light – Since the green beans are steamed instead of stir-fried, they keep their nutrients and natural crunch without extra oil.
Packed with Flavor – The combination of garlic, sesame oil, and oyster sauce gives the green beans a deep, savory, umami-rich taste with just the right hint of spice.
Pairs Well with Everything – Whether you’re serving steamed rice, grilled meats, seafood, or tofu, these green beans make the perfect side dish for any meal.
Minimal Ingredients – No complicated ingredients here! All you need are a few pantry staples to create a dish that’s simple yet full of flavor.
🔥 Bonus: Want to mix it up? Add a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick!
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
Main Ingredients:
250g fresh green beans (trimmed at both ends)
3 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
Flavorful Sauce:
1 tablespoon sesame oil – Adds a nutty depth of flavor.
2 tablespoons oyster sauce – For a rich, umami boost.
1 teaspoon red chili flakes – Adjust based on spice preference.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – Enhances the bold flavors.
½ teaspoon salt – To season the beans.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
✅ Trim both ends of the green beans and set aside.
✅ Thinly slice the garlic cloves.
Pro Tip: Using fresh, firm green beans will give you the best texture after steaming!
Step 2: Make the Sauce
✅ In a small mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
✅ Stir until fully combined.
Want an extra kick? Add a splash of soy sauce or a teaspoon of grated ginger!
Step 3: Steam the Green Beans & Sauce
✅ Preheat a steamer over high heat.
✅ Place the green beans in the steamer
✅ Add the prepared sauce at the center of green beans. (The sauce should be placed into steamer safe dish)
✅ Steam together for 7 minutes until the beans are tender but still crisp.
Don’t Over-Steam! You want the beans to be vibrant green with a slight crunch!
Step 4: Cut & Toss
✅ Once steaming is complete, remove the dish from the steamer.
✅ If desired, cut the beans in half for easy serving.
✅ Toss the green beans in the sauce to coat them evenly.
For extra flavor, drizzle a little more sesame oil over the beans before serving!
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
✅ Transfer to a serving dish.
✅ Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer.
✅ Enjoy with steamed rice, grilled meats, seafood, or tofu!
Optional Topping: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for extra crunch!
Perfect Pair With 🍚🥢
Steamed Jasmine Rice – Soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly!
Grilled or Stir-Fried Meat – Complements chicken, beef, or pork beautifully.
Pan-Seared Salmon or Shrimp – Enhances seafood dishes with a bold umami flavor.
Garlic Noodles or Fried Rice – For a complete Asian-inspired meal.
Vegetarian Stir-Fried Tofu – A delicious plant-based pairing.
Essential Cooking Tools 🔗
Make cooking easier, faster, and more enjoyable with these must-have kitchen tools! Whether you’re steaming veggies, prepping sauces, or slicing ingredients, these essentials will help you get the job done effortlessly.
✔ Steamer
A high-quality steamer is a must for cooking perfectly tender green beans while preserving their bright color and nutrients. Plus, it’s great for dumplings, seafood, and other veggies!
✔ Sharp Chef’s Knife – Makes cutting and prep work effortless.
A good chef’s knife makes slicing and chopping garlic, green beans, and other ingredients effortless. No more struggling with dull blades—this knife will make meal prep faster and safer!
✔ Mixing Bowls – Great for preparing sauces and marinades.
A sturdy mixing bowls are perfect for whisking together oyster sauce, soy sauce, and seasonings before cooking. They’re also great for marinating meats, mixing salads, or even serving side dishes!
Nutritional Value (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fiber: 3g
Want it even healthier? Reduce the oyster sauce or replace it with a low-sodium alternative!
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Steamed Green Beans
Want to achieve perfectly tender, vibrant, and flavorful green beans every time? Follow these simple yet game-changing tips to take your steamed green beans to the next level!
Use Fresh Green Beans – The quality of your green beans makes all the difference! Fresh, firm, and bright green beans will retain the best texture and flavor after steaming. If possible, buy them the same day you plan to cook them for maximum freshness.
Don’t Overcook – Timing is everything! Steaming for around 7 minutes is the sweet spot for beans that are tender yet slightly crisp. Overcooking can lead to mushy, dull-colored beans, so keep an eye on the timer. If you prefer a bit more bite, reduce the steaming time by a minute or two.
Spice Level Control – Love a little heat? Adjust the chili flakes to your preference. Add more for a fiery kick, or skip them entirely if you prefer a milder, classic taste. You can also experiment with black pepper, garlic, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for extra flavor depth.
Enhnce the Flavor – While steamed green beans are delicious on their own, a simple drizzle of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or even a splash of lemon juice can instantly elevate their taste. Try tossing them with a bit of sesame oil, balsamic glaze, or freshly grated Parmesan for a unique twist.
Serve Immediately – Green beans taste best when served hot and fresh straight from the steamer. Letting them sit too long can cause them to lose their crispness. If you need to prepare them in advance, blanch them in ice water after steaming to stop the cooking process, then quickly reheat before serving.
💡 Bonus Tip: For extra crunch and depth of flavor, try topping your green beans with toasted almonds, sesame seeds, or crispy shallots. They also pair beautifully with a garlic butter sauce for an irresistible side dish!
Now you’re ready to make the best steamed green beans every time!
Steamed Garlic Green Beans – Healthy, Flavorful & Easy! 🥦✨
Equipment
- Steamer or steaming pot
- Mixing bowl
- Knife & cutting board
Ingredients
- 250g fresh green beans
- 3 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
- Trim the ends of the green beans and rinse them thoroughly.
- Cut the beans into two equal parts for easier steaming and serving.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine sesame oil, oyster sauce, red chili flakes, black pepper, and salt.
- Stir well to mix all the flavors together
Step 3: Steam the Green Beans
- Heat a steamer over maximum heat until the water starts boiling.
- Place the green beans and sauce mixture in a steamer-safe dish.
- Steam for 7 minutes until the green beans are bright green and tender but still crisp.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Remove from the steamer and toss the beans in the sauce to coat evenly.
- Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy this healthy, umami-packed side dish with rice, grilled meats, or on its own!
Notes
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Steamed Green Beans
✔ Don’t Oversteam: For the perfect texture, steam the beans just until tender-crisp (about 7 minutes). Overcooking will make them mushy.✔ Customize the Heat Level: Adjust red chili flakes based on your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or skip for a milder taste.
✔ Want More Flavor? Add a dash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra depth.
✔ For a Crunchy Twist: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts before serving.
✔ Make It Vegan-Friendly: Swap oyster sauce for mushroom sauce to keep this dish completely plant-based.
Final Thoughts
This Steamed Green Beans with Garlic & Oyster Sauce is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish that complements any meal! With bold umami flavors, a slight kick of spice, and a perfectly crisp texture, this is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves Asian-inspired cooking.
🥢 Make it today & enjoy a simple yet delicious vegetable dish! 💚✨
Tried This Recipe? Let Us Know!
✔ Comment Below – What’s your favorite way to enjoy green beans?
✔ Share with Friends & Family – Spread the love for delicious home-cooked meals!
✔ Bookmark for Later – Save this easy and quick side dish recipe!
Enjoy your flavor-packed, steamed green beans! 🥢🔥💚✨