A quick and simple paleo, vegan, and Whole30 side dish, these Sesame Garlic Green Beans make the perfect pair for just about anything and come together in less than 15 minutes.
It’s ETGveggies week!! If you missed it, I talked all about it yesterday! An easy and fun 5 day challenge to get everyone eating some more veggies, and we are kicking it off with these simple and tasty sesame garlic green beans!
Green beens were a staple in my family’s diet growing up. For a majority of my childhood my parents had a huge garden in our backyard. They grew everything from spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, green beans, carrots, green beans, peas, broccoli, and zucchini.
Our neighbor also had an amazing garden and grew everything you can imagine…squashes, corn, rhubarb, potatoes, cabbage, cucumbers, sunflowers, and even had chickens for awhile. I didn’t realize how amazing it was back then. I now have my own garden, although small, it is doing well this year! One day chickens are gonna happen around here!
But back to the point, green beans were on the dinner table probably 3-4 times out of the week. We would go out and pick some, while eating some at the same time, and bring them inside to prepare for dinner. Our way of choice was usually sautéing them with olive oil, balsamic, and garlic.
It was just so simple and easy. I think at one point I got sick of them because we were eating them so much. Too much of a good thing I guess you could say.
Which is what some of y’all said your struggles were with eating veggies. Heck, it’s one of mine too – we buy a lot of the same ones and prepare them the same ways because it’s easiest.
So I challenge you to try a different way to make something. It can be as simple as changing out balsamic vinegar for coconut aminos, or using a new spice – the bulk section of spices is great for getting some inspiration!
How to make Sesame Garlic Green Beans
These garlic green beans were inspired by the ones I used to grow up with, but with an Asian twist! They only take 15 minutes to make from start to finish and only use a 8 ingredients that you might already have on hand. Here is what you need:
- green beans
- coconut aminos
- garlic powder
- ground ginger
- lemon juice
- avocado oil
- sesame oil
- sesame seeds
- salt & pepper
First wash and trim your green beans. Add your avocado oil to a pan and let it get hot. Next add the green beans, cover with lid, and sauté for 5-6 minutes.
Then you will add the remaining ingredients (except the sesame seeds) and sauté for a few more minutes until they reach your desired doneness. Add the sesame seeds to garish and enjoy!
What are coconut aminos?
If you are not familiar with coconut aminos, they are one of my favorite sauces to add to veggies. Coconut aminos are a soy sauce alternative that is made from coconut sap. It doesn’t have any of the gluten and soy you find in regular soy sauce, making it paleo and Whole30 approved.
It is sweet and savory and a little salty – not as rich as your typical soy sauce and has a milder and sweeter flavor. And it doesn’t taste like coconut. So if you don’t like coconut, don’t worry! If you can’t find it, soy sauce or tamari would be a good sub (if you can have those).
Big Tree Farms is my favorite brand of coconut aminos! I buy it in bulk or buy a bunch when it’s on sale since we go through so much of it!
Are Green Beans Paleo?
You might think green beans aren’t paleo because they are a legume, which is technically correct. When following a paleo diet, legumes are not allowed because of their high content of lectins and phytic acid. Most people and studies consider legumes pretty nutrient dense and full of fiber, protein, and iron.
They fall into somewhat of a grey area in the paleo diet. Green beans, sugar snap peas, and fresh peas contain very little amounts of the potential negative constituents found in most other legumes so most say they are okay. They are also allowed on the Whole30, so that gives me even more reason to say they are good to go.
In the end, it’s up to you. We enjoy them a decent amount and they make a great easy veggie to whip up. You can decide for yourself to include them in your diet or not!
What to serve with Sautéed Green Beans
They best thing about these Whole30 green beans is that they are so versatile! Pair with whatever protein and carb you have on hand. Here are some suggestions:
- Smoked brisket – serve alongside some coleslaw
- Paleo beef & broccoli stir fry
- Grilled chicken made with one of these chicken marinades
- Kale & beef stuffed butternut squash
- Cast iron ginger lime chicken thighs
- Tahini whipped sweet potatoes
- Cinnamon roasted delicata squash
I would say they are quite addicting though. Michael and I (okay, really mostly me) practically the whole pan in one sitting. Feel free to double or triple the recipe. I have done it before and it works great. They save well and are easy to have on hand during the week!
More Whole30 & Paleo Vegetable Recipes
6 Whole30 Cauliflower Rice Recipes
Green Beans with Mushrooms & Bacon (Paleo/Whole30)
Cheesy Buffalo Brussel Sprout (Paleo/Whole30)
Sesame Garlic Green Beans
ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, stems removed
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut aminos
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- salt and pepper, to taste
instructions
- Heat a medium sized sauté pan or wok over medium heat. Add avocado oil and let it get hot, about 30 seconds. Add green beans, cover with lid, and let cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add in sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger, coconut aminos, lemon juice, and salt and pepper and stir to combine. Let cook for 2-3 more minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally , until cooked to your preference.
- Remove from heat and add sesame seeds. Stir to combine. Serve and enjoy!
nutrition
This recipe was previously posted and was updated this year!
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Caitlin says
Such a quick, simple and DELICIOUS recipe. It went perfectly with our Ahi tuna steaks tonight!!
Kelly says
Sounds like the perfect combo – I’m glad you enjoyed Caitlin!