Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or mortar and pestle
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes, until tender-crisp. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. In a food processor or mortar and pestle, grind the sesame seeds until they form a paste.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, mirin, rice vinegar, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. In a large bowl, toss the green beans with the sesame paste and soy sauce mixture until well coated.
5. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 2-3 minutes
Temperature:
- Serve chilled or at room temperature
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Green beans: Asparagus, broccoli, or snow peas
- Soy sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos
- Sugar: Honey or maple syrup
- Mirin: Rice wine or white wine vinegar
- Rice vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- Garlic: Ginger or shallots
- Red pepper flakes: Black pepper or cayenne pepper
Variations:
- Add sliced scallions or chopped cilantro for extra flavor and color.
- Use a mix of sesame seeds, such as black and white sesame seeds, for a more visually appealing dish.
- Substitute the green beans with cooked soba noodles for a cold noodle salad.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to rinse the green beans under cold water after cooking to prevent them from overcooking and becoming mushy.
- Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant before grinding them for a more intense flavor.
- If using a mortar and pestle, grind the sesame seeds in small batches to avoid overcrowding and uneven grinding.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover green bean goma-ae in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Green bean goma-ae is best served cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer it warm, you can briefly sauté it in a pan over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the green bean goma-ae in a shallow dish or platter, garnished with extra sesame seeds and sliced scallions or cilantro.
Garnishes:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced scallions or cilantro
Pairings:
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Steamed rice or quinoa
- Miso soup
Suggested side dishes:
- Edamame
- Seaweed salad
- Pickled vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sesame paste is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
- If the soy sauce mixture is too salty, add a bit more sugar or mirin to balance it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to rinse the green beans thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
- Store leftover green bean goma-ae in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
- Goma-ae is a traditional Japanese dish that translates to "sesame dressing." It is typically made with blanched vegetables or tofu and a sauce made from ground sesame seeds, soy sauce, and sugar.
Flavor profiles:
- Nutty, savory, slightly sweet
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish or appetizer.
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Region: Japanese