Miso Green Beans Recipe
Introduction
This flavorful Miso Green Beans recipe is a simple yet delicious way to elevate your vegetable side dish. The combination of savory miso, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness brings out the best in crisp-tender green beans. Ready in minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals.

Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon white miso (See Note 1 for substitutions)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (See Note 2 for substitutions)
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup (or agave nectar or honey, if not vegan)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 pound green beans
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil (or other neutral oil with high smoke point)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the white miso, soy sauce, maple syrup, and sesame oil to make the sauce. Set aside.
- Step 2: Trim the green beans by cutting off the ends. For longer beans, cut them in half on a diagonal for a nicer presentation.
- Step 3: Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Use enameled cast iron or a skillet suitable for high heat. Add the avocado oil once the pan is hot.
- Step 4: Add the green beans to the skillet, stirring to coat them with oil. Spread them out evenly and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring every 45 seconds, until they are slightly blackened and just tender when pierced with a fork.
- Step 5: Stir in the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Step 6: Pour the sauce over the green beans and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Toss to coat evenly, then remove from heat and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use honey instead of maple syrup for a less intense sweetness (not vegan).
- Toast the sesame seeds lightly for extra nuttiness.
Storage
Store leftover miso green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain their texture without overcooking. Avoid microwaving to keep garlic flavor fresh.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Thaw and pat them dry before cooking to reduce excess moisture and achieve a better sear.
What can I substitute if I don’t have white miso?
If you don’t have white miso, you can substitute with yellow miso or chickpea miso, though the flavor will be slightly stronger. Alternatively, use a small amount of soy sauce or tamari combined with a pinch of miso powder if available.
PrintMiso Green Beans Recipe
A savory and slightly sweet stir-fried green bean dish featuring a umami-packed miso sauce, perfect as a quick and flavorful side for any meal. This recipe highlights crisp-tender green beans coated with a delicious blend of white miso, soy sauce, maple syrup, and sesame oil, garnished with toasted sesame seeds for added texture and aroma.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon white miso
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup (or agave nectar or honey)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Green Beans
- 1 pound green beans
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil (or other neutral oil with high smoke point)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the white miso, soy sauce, maple syrup, and sesame oil until fully combined and smooth, ensuring a well-emulsified flavorful sauce.
- Trim and Cut Green Beans: Rinse the green beans, trim off the ends, and cut any particularly long beans in half on a diagonal for a more appealing presentation and even cooking.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large wok or enameled cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Allow it to become very hot before adding oil to maximize searing and flavor development. If using stainless steel skillet, prepare to add a bit more oil to prevent sticking.
- Add Oil and Green Beans: Pour in the avocado oil and heat briefly until shimmering. Add the green beans, stirring to coat them completely with the oil. Spread them evenly in the skillet.
- Cook Green Beans: Let the green beans cook undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring every 45 seconds or so, until they develop slight charred spots and are just tender when pierced with a fork. This produces a smoky, crisp-tender texture.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds. Be careful to avoid burning the garlic as it can turn bitter quickly.
- Combine Sauce and Sesame Seeds: Pour the prepared miso sauce over the green beans, add the toasted sesame seeds, and toss everything together to coat the beans thoroughly.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the miso green beans immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- White miso can be substituted with yellow miso or chickpea miso for different flavor depths.
- Soy sauce can be replaced with tamari for gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
- Maple syrup can be swapped with agave nectar or honey, noting honey is not vegan.
- Use avocado oil or any neutral oil with a high smoke point to prevent burning during high-heat cooking.
- Enamel cast iron skillet is preferred for maintaining even heat and handling high temperatures well.
Keywords: miso green beans, stir fry green beans, Asian side dish, quick vegetable recipe, vegan side dish

