Sweet and Spicy Green Beans

These Sweet and Spicy Green Beans are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a kick of spice. Fresh haricot vert green beans, blanched and then sautéed with onions and bell peppers – tossed with a rich, buttery sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, crushed red pepper and brown sugar substitute. It is the perfect Asian inspired low carb side dish. It can be ready and on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredient Notes

ingredients for asian green beans - green beans, peppers, onions, garlic, soy sauce, butter, and brown sugar

Green beans: This Sweet and Spicy Green Bean recipe is best with fresh green beans. If you want to substitute canned green beans, you can do so by using two 14.5 ounce cans and skipping Step 1 of the cooking process. (more low carb side dish recipes)
Bell pepper: I like to use red bell peppers, but you can use any color you prefer. If you are not a fan of bell peppers, you can simply omit them.
Soy Sauce: The soy sauce in this green bean recipe adds saltiness and umami. I use tamari as a gluten free soy sauce option. If you do not eat soy, you can substitute coconut aminos. (This is my favorite brand)
Brown sugar erythritol: For this recipe, I used a brown sugar erythritol as the sweetener. You can use any low carb sweetener you prefer. For a paleo green bean recipe option, you can use coconut sugar.

Step by Step Instructions

fresh green beans in a boiling pot of water

How to make Sweet and Spicy Green Beans

STEP 1: In a large pot of salted water, bring the green beans to a boil. Boil for 3 to 4 minutes.

STEP 2: Drain the green beans in a colander.

green beans being shocked in an ice bath to stop the cooking process

STEP 3: Submerge the green beans in an ice water bath to shock them and stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.

cast iron skillet with Sweet and Spicy Green Beans with peppers, onions, garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar

STEP 4: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the butter and the olive oil. Add the green beans to the pan, toss in the butter and olive oil, and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the bell pepper, onion, garlic, and sea salt and black pepper to taste. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes.

a small white bowl of asian inspired sauce - butter, soy sauce,

STEP 5: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter, the soy sauce, sweetener and red pepper flakes. Pour the mixture over top of the green beans and toss until they are well coated.

Recipe Tips and Variations

Serving Suggestions: I like to serve these Sweet and Spicy Green Beans with these Asian Chicken Meatballs, this Peanut Chicken Skillet, or these Thai Shrimp Cakes.
Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. (These are my favorite storage containers)
Swap the sweetener: For this Asian inspired side dish recipe, you can use any low carb sweetener you prefer. I like to use a brown sugar erythritol because it has a deeper flavor. (This is my favorite keto-friendly sweetener) code PEACE for 20% off
Use asparagus: This low carb green bean recipe is also delicious with asparagus in place of the green beans. To make this swap, clean and trim the asparagus and cook it exactly as you would the green beans. (more low carb vegetarian recipes)
Make it Whole30: To make this a paleo, whole30 compliant green bean recipe, simply omit the brown sugar erythritol, use butter flavored coconut oil in place of the butter, and use coconut aminos in place of the soy sauce. (more keto whole30 recipes)
Make it a meal: add some prawns, ground pork, or even shredded chicken to make this a full one pot keto meal. (more one pot keto recipes)
Add Mushrooms: I love to make this with a medley of wild mushrooms added. It adds even more umami flavor.

a white plate full of an asian inspired green bean dish - green beans, onion, peppers, soy sauce, butter, brown sugar

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you put green beans into an ice bath after cooking?

Plunging green beans in an ice bath shocks them and stops the cooking process, while maintaining their bright green color.

Can I substitute canned green beans?

Yes, if you would like to substitute canned green beans for the fresh green beans in this recipe, you can substitute (2) 14.5 ounce cans. If you use canned green beans, skip step 1 of the cooking process.

How do you trim fresh green beans?

To trim green beans, you cut off the stems and any dried ends. If they are really long beans, I also cut them in half.

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★★★★★

5 from 6 reviews

Author: Kyndra Holley
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Sweet and Spicy Green Beans are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a kick of spice. Fresh haricot vert green beans, blanched and then sautéed with onions and bell peppers – tossed with a rich, buttery sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, crushed red pepper and brown sugar substitute. It is the perfect Asian inspired low carb side dish. It can be ready and on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients

1 pound fresh green beans, cleaned and trimmed
¼ cup butter melted and divided
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Sea salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos
1 tablespoon brown sugar sweetener (I use this brand) code PEACE for 20% off
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

In a large pot of salted water, bring the green beans to a boil. Boil for 3 to 4 minutes. Drain in a colander and submerge the beans in an ice water bath to shock them and stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the butter and the olive oil. Add the green beans to the pan, toss in the butter and olive oil, and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the bell pepper, onion, garlic, and sea salt and black pepper to taste. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter, the soy sauce, sweetener and red pepper flakes. Pour the mixture over top of the green beans and toss until they are well coated.

Notes

Net carbs per serving: 6g
Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Use asparagus: This Sweet and Spicy Green Bean recipe is also delicious with asparagus in place of the green beans. To make this swap, clean and trim the asparagus and cook it exactly as you would the green beans.

Category: Side Dishes
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: ¼ of the recipe
Calories: 233
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g

Keywords: green bean recipes, asian side dish recipes, asian inspired vegetable recipes, keto side dishes, low carb side dish recipes, paleo green bean recipes, whole30 green bean recipes

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