Sesame Green Beans

These green beans are a perfect accompaniment to an Asian-themed meal. My favorite way to cook with green beans is to start with them fresh—that way you end up with a crisp texture that I find delicious. I usually cook the beans a little less time than the recipe indicates to make sure I don’t lose that wonderful crispness.

2 teaspoons sesame seeds
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons honey
4 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 pound green beans, trimmed
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
3 scallions, sliced thin

1. Toast sesame seeds in large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to plate. Whisk soy sauce and honey in small bowl.
2. Heat oil in empty skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Cook beans until bright green, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until beans are spotty brown and tender, about 10 minutes (I usually stop mine at 7 minutes).
3. Uncover, stir in soy sauce mixture, and cook until beans are glazed, about 1 minute. Off heat, stir in vinegar, sesame oil, and scallions. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve.

Makes 4 servings.