I often try to put a fresh new spin on the “tried and true” and this time, it was green beans.  Petite green beans share this dish with caramelized onions and mushrooms.  Both are tied together with sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, and a kick of red pepper flakes.  These are definitely not your average green beans!

Only a few ingredients take these green beans from “meh” to “wow”!

The two most important steps: Do not over cook the green beans. Drain green beans before sauteing.

Sesame Green Beans
Serves 4

14 ounces frozen petite green beans
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced into rings
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
salt & pepper

Bring 2 quarts of water and 1 teaspoon salt to boil in a large saucepan.  Add frozen green beans, when water returns to a boil, cook for 5 minutes.  Transfer green beans to a towel lined dish.  Set aside until ready to saute.

In a heavy skillet, heat sesame oil until hot, using medium-high heat.  Add onion to skillet and cook until they begin to soften.  Add sliced mushrooms and stir occasionally, until onion and mushrooms are soft and have browned, about 7 minutes.  Transfer cooked mushrooms and onions to a dish.  Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet.  Allow butter to completely melt before adding sesame seeds and red pepper flakes.  Stir until sesame seeds are lightly toasted, about 1 minute.  Add drained green beans to skillet and saute until they are coated with the sesame and oil mixture.  Transfer to a serving platter and top with cooked onion and mushrooms.  Salt and pepper to taste.