Are you tired of bland, boring meals that leave you feeling unsatisfied? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our mouthwatering Grain Green Bean Skillet Yum Sauce – a vegan recipe that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious! This quick and easy dish combines the protein-packed goodness of quinoa with crisp green beans and burst-in-your-mouth cherry tomatoes, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. In just 30 minutes, you'll have a restaurant-worthy meal that's not only nutritious but will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup of quinoa (cooked)
- 2 cups of green beans (trimmed)
- 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon of ginger (grated)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, cook quinoa according to package instructions: typically combine 1 cup quinoa with 2 cups water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, wash and trim green beans, cutting them into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add trimmed green beans to the skillet, stirring frequently and cooking for 4-5 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
- Add cooked quinoa to the skillet and gently mix with green beans.
- Pour soy sauce over the mixture, stirring to coat evenly and allow flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes, tossing gently to warm them through without breaking.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving dishes, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Optional: Garnish with additional sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Quinoa Perfection: Always rinse your quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural saponin coating, which can make it taste bitter. Use a fine-mesh strainer for best results.
- Crisp-Tender Green Beans: The key is to cook green beans just until they're bright green and slightly crisp. Overcooking will make them lose their vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Flavor Layering: Sauté garlic and ginger briefly to release their aromatic oils, but be careful not to brown them, which can create a bitter taste.
- Sesame Oil Magic: Use toasted sesame oil for an extra depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or sprinkle some toasted nuts on top for extra crunch.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
