Spicy Steamed Green Beans

🌱 Ingredients & Notes

Here is everything you need for this recipe:

• Green beans - fresh green beans, washed and the ends cut off. I like to keep them in full length, but you can also chop them into smaller pieces if you prefer.
• Flaked almonds - to sprinkle over the finished beans and to add a crunchy texture
• Seasonings - salt, pepper and a sprinkle of chilli flakes (optional)

For the almond butter drizzle:

• Almond butter - smooth, unflavored almond butter works best
• Lemon juice - you can use either freshly squeezed lemon juice or store-bought lemon juice. The acidity helps to thin the creamy almond butter and make it runny - perfect for drizzling!
• Soy sauce - I used tamari for extra umami and a delicious salty seasoning for the sauce. You can swap tamari for soy sauce, preferably dark soy sauce, or coconut aminos if you want to keep it gluten-free.
• Seasoning - cayenne pepper for the spiciness. You can easily adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your personal preference, or swap the cayenne for a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for detailed quantities and measurements.

Optional additions:

• Garlic - Add a pinch of garlic powder to the spicy almond drizzle or a clove of minced or grated fresh garlic, if you're not sensitive to garlic.
• Ginger - Incorporate a small amount of freshly grated ginger for a subtle, aromatic kick.
• Maple Syrup or Agave - A touch of sweetness can balance the spiciness. Adding a teaspoon of maple syrup or agave syrup can provide a pleasant contrast.
• Sesame Oil - For an additional nutty aroma, a few drops of sesame oil can complement the almond butter's taste.
• Fresh Herbs - Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil can brighten up the sauce and add freshness.
• Lime Zest - Adding a bit of lime zest can lend a citrusy note, enhancing the overall flavor profile. You can also use lime juice instead of lemon juice.

🧑‍🍳 Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 - Steam Beans: Steam the green beans for 4-5 minutes until tender in a large saucepan with a steamer basket over boiling water.

Step 2 - Prepare Sauce: Mix almond butter, lemon juice, tamari soy sauce, cayenne pepper, and water in a bowl until smooth.

Step 3 - Drizzle & Serve: Once beans are cooked, drizzle the spicy almond butter mixture over the beans, sprinkle with almond flakes and chilli, and serve immediately.

🍽️ Serving

These zesty green beans make a fantastic side dish that pairs well with any main course! Serve them hot, straight from the stovetop, garnished with almond flakes and a sprinkle of chilli flakes for an added visual and spicy touch. They'll beautifully complement your meal and impress your guests!

❄️ Storage

Place any leftover green beans in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Consume them within 2 to 3 days for optimal freshness and taste. If possible, store the beans and the spicy almond butter drizzle separately. This prevents the beans from becoming overly soft from the sauce.

How to reheat

When reheating, consider using a microwave or gently heating the green beans in a pan. Be careful not to overheat, as this may cause them to lose their crispiness.

🔜 Related Recipes

Looking for more vegan side dishes? Try making these buttery Fingerling Potatoes or this next level Creamed Corn and serve with a delicious drizzle of Vegan Peppercorn Gravy.

📝 Recipe

Here's a handy recipe card that you can print out and keep in your kitchen for easy reference:

📖 Recipe Card

Steamed Green Beans with Spicy Almond Butter Drizzle

Romy

Enjoy a delightful kick with these zesty steamed green beans topped with a spicy almond butter sauce. A burst of flavor in every bite, perfect for adding a twist to your side dishes!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American, British

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 medium saucepan
• 1 steamer basket
• 1 small bowl to mix the sauce
• 1 small whisk to mix the sauce
• 1 serving platter

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 cups fresh green beans (200 g) washed and chopped
• 1 tablespoon flaked almonds
• 1 pinch chilli flakes
• salt and pepper to taste

For the almond butter sauce:

• 2 tablespoon almond butter smooth & unsweetened
• 1.5 tablespoon lemon juice (22 ml) freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon tamari soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste
• 1-2 tablespoon water to adjust texture

Instructions

 

• Heat 200-300ml of water in a large saucepan, place a steamer basket on top, and steam your green beans for 4-5 minutes until lush and green.
• In the meantime, whisk up your sauce: add the almond butter, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, tamari soy sauce, and water into a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. Adjust the amount of water until you get the desired texture. The sauce should be runny but not watery.
• To serve, transfer the steamed green beans to a serving platter and drizzle the spicy almond butter sauce over the top. Sprinkle with almond flakes for a crunchy texture, add chilli flakes and season to taste with salt and pepper, if desired.

Keyword green beans, side dish, steamed green beans