5 Easy and Quick String Bean Recipes for Busy Cooks

If you're looking for quick meals that are both nutritious and easy to prepare, string beans, also known as green beans, are your best friend. Known for their health benefits like aiding in weight loss, improving digestion, and being a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, string beans are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Here are five easy and quick string bean recipes tailored for those with a busy lifestyle:

1. Sautéed String Beans with Almonds

Sautéing string beans not only keeps their crunch but also enhances their flavor, especially when paired with almonds.

• 1 pound fresh string beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¹⁄₄ cup sliced almonds
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon

Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add almonds, cook until they turn golden.
2. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
3. Increase heat to high, add string beans, season with salt and pepper, sauté for 5-7 minutes.
4. Drizzle lemon juice just before serving.

🍽️ Note: You can use sesame seeds or pine nuts as an alternative to almonds.

2. Spicy Sichuan Stir-Fry

Bring some heat to your kitchen with this spicy, flavorful stir-fry.

• 1 pound string beans, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorn oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili bean paste
• ¹⁄₄ cup diced red bell pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced

Steps:

1. Heat the Sichuan peppercorn oil in a wok over high heat.
2. Add ginger and garlic, stir-fry for a minute.
3. Add chili bean paste, stir, and then add string beans and bell pepper, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add soy sauce and cook for another minute or until the beans are tender.

🔥 Note: Adjust the chili paste to your spice preference. Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

3. Lemon Garlic String Beans

Perfect for those who appreciate the simplicity of Mediterranean flavors.

• 1 pound string beans, trimmed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of ¹⁄₂ lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Blanch string beans for 3 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath.
2. Heat oil in a skillet, add garlic, sauté until golden.
3. Add beans, lemon zest, and juice, cook for 3-4 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Green Beans and Tomato Stew

This one-pot dish is hearty, healthy, and requires minimal cleanup, ideal for busy cooks.

• 1 pound string beans, trimmed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Sauté onion in oil until translucent, then add garlic, cook for 1 minute.
2. Add tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper, bring to a simmer.
3. Add beans, cover, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.

🥫 Note: Serve this stew with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

5. Sesame Garlic Green Beans

A quick stir-fry that brings an Asian flair to your table.

• 1 pound string beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Steps:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic, stir-fry for a minute, then add beans.
3. Stir-fry until beans are tender-crisp, about 4 minutes.
4. Add soy sauce and vinegar, toss, and finish with sesame seeds.

These recipes prove that you don't need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy delicious, nutrient-rich meals. String beans, with their unique texture and health benefits, are the perfect ingredient for quick and satisfying dishes. By incorporating these recipes into your routine, you'll not only eat well but also save time, proving that fast food can indeed be healthy and flavorful.

Can I substitute canned beans for fresh ones in these recipes?

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Yes, you can use canned green beans, but they might be softer than fresh ones. Ensure to drain and rinse them to remove extra salt and to reduce the sodium content.

Are these recipes suitable for meal prep?

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Absolutely! Most of these recipes can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat as needed for a quick meal. The green beans and tomato stew are particularly good for this as they can even improve in flavor after a day or two.

What can I do if I can’t handle spicy food?

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For those sensitive to spice, you can reduce or omit the chili paste in the Sichuan stir-fry or choose another recipe. Alternatively, you can serve with a side of yogurt or sour cream to balance the heat.