Can I use frozen green beans?

Fresh is best for that crisp texture. Frozen green beans tend to release more moisture and won’t blister as nicely. If you use them, pat them dry and cook a little longer.

Can I substitute the white miso?

Yes! Yellow miso works beautifully. It has a similar mild, slightly sweet flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover Miso Green Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat quickly in a hot skillet to bring back some of that texture. The microwave works too — just know they’ll be softer.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and trim the beans ahead of time. But for best texture, cook them right before serving. It only takes 5 minutes on the stove.

Are these Miso Green Beans healthy?

They’re packed with fiber, low in calories (about 87 per serving), and full of flavor without heavy sauces. As always, nutritional info is an estimate and may vary based on brands used.

Miso Green Beans: Irresistible 15-Minute Side

Name: Miso Green Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon white miso; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 teaspoons maple syrup (or agave nectar; honey if not vegan); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed; 2 teaspoons avocado oil (or neutral high-heat oil); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Description

Miso Green Beans are a quick and flavorful 15-minute side dish packed with bold umami flavor. Fresh green beans are sautéed until tender-crisp, then tossed in a savory miso, garlic, and sesame glaze. This easy plant-based side pairs beautifully with chicken, seafood, tofu, or rice bowls for a simple weeknight upgrade.

Ingredients

Scale

The Sauce

1 tablespoon white miso
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons maple syrup (or agave nectar; honey if not vegan)
1 teaspoon sesame oil

The Green Beans

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
2 teaspoons avocado oil (or neutral high-heat oil)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

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Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the white miso, soy sauce, maple syrup, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside.
Trim the ends off the green beans. If long, cut them in half or slice on a diagonal for presentation.
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the avocado oil.
Add the green beans and toss to coat in oil. Spread them into a single layer.
Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring every 45 seconds, until slightly blistered and just tender when pierced with a fork.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Pour in the miso sauce and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Toss to coat evenly.
Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

Yellow miso may be substituted for white miso.

For gluten-free, use tamari and check that your miso is certified gluten-free.

Liquid aminos or coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a soy-free option.

Best served immediately for optimal texture.

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop / Sauté
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: ¾ cup
Calories: 87 kcal
Sugar: 5.9 g
Sodium: 507 mg
Fat: 3.7 g
Saturated Fat: 0.6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.1 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 13.1 g
Fiber: 3.1 g
Protein: 2.7 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg