Japanese Sesame Green Beans (Goma-ae)

Japanese sesame green beans (green bean Gomaae) served in a ceramic bowl, coated with nutty gomae sesame sauce and sprinkled with ground sesame seeds — a classic Japanese side dish for Asian meals.

Japanese Sesame Green Beans (Goma-ae)

A quick and authentic Japanese green bean recipe tossed in a nutty gomae sesame sauce made from toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, and sugar. A light and flavourful sesame green bean side dish ready in 15 minutes.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Asian

Diet Low Fat, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian

Dietary Dairy Free, Egg Free, Nut Free, Plant-Based

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Servings people

Calories 72kcal

Author Sammy Eng

Ingredients

300 g green beans
3 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sugar white

Instructions

Wash and trim green beans.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Place green beans into boiling water and blanch for 4-5 minutes.
Remove and place green beans into ice bath or run under cold water to stop further cooking.
Once cool, drain and remove any excess water.
Cut the green beans in half.
Gently toast sesame seeds in dry pan on low heat until golden.
Roughly grind sesame seeds in mortar and pestle.
In a small bowl, combine the ground sesame seeds, soy sauce and sugar. Stir until the mixture forms a paste-like consistency.
Add green beans to the sesame sauce and mix until the beans are well coated.
Serve at room temperature or chilled as a side dish.

Video

Notes

Don’t overcook the beans. Blanch them quickly to keep the beans bright green and crisp, then cool in an ice bath.
For maximum nutty aroma, grind the sesame seeds fresh. Using pre-ground or tahini works but alters the texture.
Lightly toast sesame seeds for a deeper, richer flavour.
Make sure every bean is covered; double the sauce if necessary.
Taste and balance sugar and soy sauce to your liking.
Try other vegetables: Works well with spinach, broccoli, asparagus, or okra.

Nutrition