Are you tired of bland, boring vegetable side dishes that put everyone to sleep? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner table with these mouthwatering Garlic Soy Green Beans that cook in just minutes! This Asian-inspired recipe transforms ordinary green beans into a flavor-packed sensation that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With the magic of an Instant Pot, you'll create a restaurant-quality side dish that's both incredibly easy and devastatingly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and trim the green beans, removing any tough ends. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to ensure even cooking.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves, creating a fine, aromatic mixture that will infuse the green beans with flavor.
- Pour the sesame oil into the Instant Pot's inner cooking pot, ensuring an even coating of the bottom surface.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 30 seconds using the sauté function, releasing the garlic's aromatic oils without burning.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the pot, stirring to coat them evenly with the garlic and sesame oil.
- Pour the soy sauce over the green beans, then season with salt and pepper to taste, gently tossing to distribute the seasonings.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" setting.
- Cook on high pressure for 2-3 minutes, depending on desired bean tenderness. For crisp-tender beans, aim for 2 minutes; for softer beans, cook for 3 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, immediately perform a quick pressure release to prevent overcooking.
- Open the lid and give the green beans a final toss to ensure even coating with the garlic soy sauce.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with optional sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added texture and visual appeal.
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp green beans for the best texture and flavor. Look for beans that are bright green and snap cleanly when bent.
- Pat the green beans completely dry before cooking to ensure they don't become watery during pressure cooking.
- Don't skip the sesame oil - it adds a crucial nutty depth that elevates the entire dish.
- Be precise with cooking time: 2 minutes for crisp-tender beans, 3 minutes for softer beans. The Instant Pot cooks quickly, so timing is key!
- Perform a quick pressure release immediately after cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain the beans' vibrant color and texture.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider garnishing with toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions just before serving.
- If you like a bit of heat, add a small amount of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the soy sauce for a spicy kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
