If you’re searching for a vibrant, irresistible way to bring vegetables to your table, Teriyaki Green Beans are about to become your new go-to side dish. Imagine crisp-tender green beans coated in a glossy, homemade teriyaki sauce that balances sweet, savory, and umami flavors to absolute perfection. Whether you’re introducing more veggies to your dinner routine or need a speedy, crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, Teriyaki Green Beans guarantee a burst of color, flavor, and freshness in every single bite.

Teriyaki Green Beans Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on straightforward, wholesome ingredients, each lending something special to the final dish. Every item in your lineup pulls its weight, from infusing bold depth to brightening up the plate with vibrant greens and aromatic elements.

Fresh Green Beans: Choose 1 pound of crisp, trimmed green beans for the best texture and a beautiful green color.
Sesame Oil: Just 1 tablespoon infuses a toasty, nutty aroma that’s essential for any Asian-inspired vegetable stir-fry.
Garlic (Minced): Two cloves minced garlic add an irresistible punch and savory undertone.
Fresh Ginger (Minced): A teaspoon of fresh ginger brings warmth, zip, and that signature teriyaki kick.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Quarter cup is the salty, umami backbone of the sauce, and using low-sodium keeps the flavors balanced.
Brown Sugar: Two tablespoons give sweetness that balances the salty soy, creating that classic teriyaki shine and flavor.
Rice Vinegar: Just a tablespoon provides gentle acidity and tang, brightening all the other flavors.
Cornstarch: One tablespoon, mixed with water, thickens the sauce to coat each bean beautifully.
Water: Two tablespoons to mix with the cornstarch and create the perfect slurry for a glossy finish.
Toasted Sesame Seeds (Optional): A tablespoon scattered on top adds crunch and visual flair.
Sliced Green Onions: For freshness and a pop of color when garnishing your Teriyaki Green Beans.

How to Make Teriyaki Green Beans

Step 1: Blanch the Green Beans

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a roaring boil. Add your trimmed green beans and let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until they turn bright green and ever-so-slightly tender. Immediately drain the beans and transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This quick chill locks in that vivid color and crisp-tender texture—no dull, mushy beans here!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a roomy skillet or wok over medium heat, add your sesame oil. When it shimmers, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for a minute or two, until your kitchen smells incredible and the aromatics have softened, but not browned. This is where those deep flavors begin to bloom for your Teriyaki Green Beans.

Step 3: Simmer the Teriyaki Sauce

With the aromatics fragrant, pour in the soy sauce, sprinkle in the brown sugar, and splash in the rice vinegar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar completely. It’s in these moments you’ll see the foundation of a shiny, tangy-sweet sauce taking shape.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry, then pour this into the simmering sauce base. Stir constantly—within about 2 minutes, you’ll notice the sauce getting glossy and thick enough to envelop every green bean.

Step 5: Toss and Finish

Add the drained green beans to the skillet. Toss them gently but thoroughly, so they’re completely coated with that luscious teriyaki glaze. Let everything cook together for 2 to 3 minutes more, allowing the beans to heat through and absorb a bit more flavor from the sauce. Finish by removing from heat and immediately garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and a handful of sliced green onions for the perfect final flourish.

How to Serve Teriyaki Green Beans

Garnishes

The finishing touches make all the difference! Sprinkle your Teriyaki Green Beans generously with toasted sesame seeds for delicious nutty crunch, and top with sliced green onions for extra color and a burst of fresh flavor. A pinch of chili flakes also works wonders if you like a gentle kick.

Side Dishes

These beans fit right in alongside fluffy steamed rice, a bowl of lo mein, grilled chicken, crispy tofu, or even a simple salmon fillet. Pairing the Teriyaki Green Beans with protein and hearty grains transforms this speedy side into a beautiful, well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Teriyaki Green Beans family-style on a gorgeous platter for potlucks, or pile them into bento boxes for the ultimate lunch prep. For a fun twist, use them as a topping for grain bowls, or scatter chopped roasted nuts on top for even more crunch and visual interest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Teriyaki Green Beans keep beautifully in an airtight container in your fridge for up to three days. The flavors get even richer as they mingle, making them a perfect make-ahead option for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze this dish, the texture of the green beans can soften after thawing. For the tastiest results, enjoy your Teriyaki Green Beans fresh or stored in the fridge, but feel free to freeze a batch if you don’t mind softer beans—just seal them tightly and use within two months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply toss the beans in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or microwave them in a covered dish until heated through. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce and revive the glossy finish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen green beans are a great shortcut. Just thaw and pat them dry before blanching. The flavor and texture will still shine, making Teriyaki Green Beans a super convenient side year-round.

Is the dish vegan?

Yes, Teriyaki Green Beans are naturally vegan, thanks to a sauce that relies on soy, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar for all its flavor. Simply double-check your soy sauce is vegan-friendly for total peace of mind.

How can I make this dish spicy?

If you’re craving a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic and ginger, or finish the dish with a drizzle of hot chili oil. It’s an easy way to give your Teriyaki Green Beans a gentle or bold kick!

What protein pairs well with Teriyaki Green Beans?

They’re incredibly versatile—serve them with grilled chicken, pan-seared tofu, baked salmon, or even alongside teriyaki beef strips. Their flavor profile plays well with just about any main course.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and cook the beans in batches if needed for even cooking. Teriyaki Green Beans are a fantastic potluck or holiday side since they stay vibrant and delicious even when served buffet-style.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to win over veggie skeptics or just want a dazzling, fast, and flavorful side, Teriyaki Green Beans deserve a spot on your menu. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this vibrant dish—you might find it becomes a new staple at your table!

Teriyaki Green Beans Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

These Teriyaki Green Beans are a flavorful twist on a classic side dish. Crisp green beans are coated in a savory and slightly sweet homemade teriyaki sauce, making them a delicious addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Green Beans:

1 pound fresh green beans (trimmed)

Teriyaki Sauce:

1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Garnish:

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
sliced green onions for garnish

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Instructions

Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then add it to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
Cook the Green Beans: Add the drained green beans to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the teriyaki sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, sauté the green beans in the skillet for a minute or two before adding the sauce.
This dish pairs perfectly with rice, grilled chicken, or tofu.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired