Sesame Garlic Ginger Green Beans

Last week I shared a divine recipe for Honey Lemon Chicken. The only problem with the recipe is that it lacks veggies. Does anyone else face this same dilemma, trying to pair main dishes with sides? Thankfully, these Sesame Garlic Ginger Green Beans offer a quick, simple and flavorful solution to our side dish conundrum. Just saute up frozen green beans (remember, this is a quick side dish - fresh green beans are great, but more labor-intensive), add the flavorful sauce, then garnish with toasted sesame seeds. This dish can be made alongside your stir fry (you're already standing at the stove), so both will be done about the same time. Relax, you got this side dish thing in the bag (of frozen green beans, that is). 

Sesame Garlic Ginger Green Beans (adapted from cinnamonspiceandeverythingnice.com)

1 T. olive oil
1 lb. frozen green beans
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 t. ground ginger
2 T. low sodium soy sauce
2 t. rice wine vinegar
2 t. sesame seeds, toasted (I toasted mine in a small, dry saute pan until lightly browned but you can also buy toasted sesame seeds)

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the green beans and saute, stirring occasionally, about 7-10 minutes until the green beans are lightly browned. Meanwhile, combine the garlic, ginger, soy sauce and rice vinegar in a small bowl and whisk to combine. When the green beans are cooked add the sauce to the pan and saute an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

4 servings (88 calories each serving) according to my calculator on loseit.com