There’s just something irresistible about crisp-tender veggies tossed in a sweet, savory glaze, and that’s exactly why Teriyaki Green Beans are one of my all-time favorite quick sides. Imagine bright green beans that snap with every bite, coated in a glossy sauce that clings to every crevice and delivers a pop of flavor with hints of garlic, fresh ginger, and a gentle touch of honeyed sweetness. These Teriyaki Green Beans are impossibly easy to make but feel a little special—a side dish that lights up weeknight dinners, Asian-inspired feasts, or even your holiday table with the most delightful color and taste.

Teriyaki Green Beans Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a laundry list of ingredients to make Teriyaki Green Beans burst with flavor; in fact, each one here is simple, familiar, and absolutely essential. Every element plays a part, whether it’s infusing subtle heat, adding umami punch, or giving the dish that irresistible glossy finish.

Fresh green beans (1 pound, trimmed): Choose bright, firm beans for the perfect tender-crisp texture and fresh flavor.
Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Toasty and aromatic, this oil gives the dish authentic Asian flair and depth.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides a pungent burst of flavor that infuses the whole dish with fragrance.
Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Packs salty, savory notes and helps create the signature teriyaki glaze.
Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds gentle sweetness that perfectly balances the salty and tangy elements.
Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Offers acidity to brighten up the flavors and adds a tiny zing.
Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Brings subtle heat and aromatic warmth to the sauce.
Cornstarch (1 teaspoon, mixed with 1 tablespoon water): The secret to a silky, clinging sauce that coats every green bean.
Sesame seeds (1 teaspoon): Adds a bit of crunch and a nutty finish to your Teriyaki Green Beans.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a whisper of heat, a little sprinkle goes a long way.

How to Make Teriyaki Green Beans

Step 1: Blanch the Green Beans

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil—a simple step that keeps your Teriyaki Green Beans vibrantly green and perfectly tender-crisp. Drop in your trimmed beans and let them cook for just 2 or 3 minutes, until they’re bright and starting to soften but still keep their snap. Immediately drain and plunge them into an ice bath to lock in that gorgeous color and stop the cooking in its tracks. This little trick is a game changer for texture!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Warm up your skillet over medium heat and add the fragrant sesame oil. Once it shimmers, toss in your minced garlic and grated fresh ginger. Sauté them for about a minute—just until they become wonderfully aromatic and your kitchen starts to smell amazing. You don’t want to brown them, just release their flavors gently into the oil.

Step 3: Create the Teriyaki Sauce

Pour in the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar, stirring everything together. The honey will dissolve right into that savory mix, bringing sweetness, while the vinegar’s acidity lights up all the other flavors. Give it all a good stir to combine before adding the cornstarch slurry. This is when the magic happens—the sauce thickens into a glossy, clingy glaze in just a minute or two!

Step 4: Add and Glaze the Green Beans

Toss your blanched and well-drained green beans into the thickened sauce. Stir, flip, or toss them until every bean is shimmering and lushly coated. Let them cook for another 2 or 3 minutes—just enough for the sauce to glaze the beans perfectly and for everything to get piping hot. The aroma at this point is almost impossible to resist.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once off the heat, sprinkle over the sesame seeds and, if you’d like a gentle nudge of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Slide these beauties onto your serving dish and watch them disappear. The Teriyaki Green Beans are now ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Teriyaki Green Beans

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds brings an eye-catching sparkle and a subtle crunch. Thinly sliced green onions or a few extra chili flakes can add a pop of color and a hint of extra flavor. For a restaurant-style touch, try a light drizzle of additional teriyaki sauce or a sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro just before serving.

Side Dishes

Teriyaki Green Beans play well with a wide range of main dishes. They’re the perfect partner for grilled chicken, seared tofu, teriyaki salmon, or even a hearty rice bowl topped with your favorite protein. This side also works beautifully alongside fried rice, dumplings, or other Asian-inspired dishes, balancing out rich flavors with their freshness and sweet-savory notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping platter, arrange your Teriyaki Green Beans in neat bundles and tie each one with a blanched chive for an elegant look. Serve them in pint-sized ramekins for individual portions at dinner parties, or toss them onto a big platter as a vibrant addition to a holiday spread. You can even mix them into a warm noodle salad or grain bowl for an effortless upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is honestly rare with these!), store your Teriyaki Green Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days, and the flavor deepens as they sit. Just be sure to cool them completely before sealing to prevent condensation from making them soggy.

Freezing

While these are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Teriyaki Green Beans if needed. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can keep for up to a month, though the texture may soften a bit upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the beans gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a drizzle of water or extra sauce to keep them glossy and moist. Alternatively, microwave them in short bursts, stirring in between, just until heated through. Avoid overcooking to preserve that lovely snap.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans for Teriyaki Green Beans?

Absolutely! If fresh green beans aren’t in season or easily available, you can swap in frozen ones. Simply skip the blanching step and add them directly to the skillet. They’ll cook up beautifully and still carry the signature teriyaki glaze.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes—it’s easy to make Teriyaki Green Beans vegan. Just replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and follow the recipe as usual. You’ll still get all that delicious flavor and gloss.

How can I make the dish gluten-free?

For gluten-free Teriyaki Green Beans, opt for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce. Double-check other condiments if using store-bought versions of teriyaki sauce for hidden gluten ingredients.

Can I prep the green beans ahead of time?

Short on time? Blanch and chill the green beans up to a day in advance. Store them tightly wrapped in the fridge, then finish with the teriyaki sauce just before serving for maximum crispness and color.

Are there any protein add-ins you recommend?

If you’re after a heartier dish, add some cubed, pan-seared tofu, bite-sized pieces of grilled chicken, or a scattering of roasted cashews or peanuts. The juicy sauce pairs well with all sorts of proteins, making Teriyaki Green Beans even more versatile.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a bright, speedy, and crowd-pleasing veggie, Teriyaki Green Beans are simply unbeatable. You’ll be amazed how easy it is to turn humble green beans into a show-stopping side everyone will want the recipe for. Give these a try—you just might find yourself making them again and again!