Miso Brown Sugar Green Beans
🌱 Miso brown sugar green beans
Because sometimes, a classic just needs a little twist.
Green bean casserole is a beloved holiday staple — but let’s be honest, it’s a little predictable. If you’re craving something just as easy, but bursting with bright layers of flavor, you’ve found the right place. This dish is every bit as simple as dumping a can of mushroom soup into a casserole dish, but it takes your green beans from underwhelming to unbelievable.
For the Sauce:
3 tbsp white miso paste
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp chili crunch or chili oil
A pinch of cracked black pepper
A splash of water (just to bring it all together)
For the Toppings:
4 strips of bacon, chopped and fried
A generous amount of garlic chips (trust me, the more the better)
How to Make It
Make the Sauce.
In a bowl, whisk together the white miso paste, brown sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, chili crunch (or chili oil if you're going for the heat), cracked pepper, and a little splash of water. This sauce is the secret weapon — salty, sweet, spicy, and a little umami. It's the perfect balance of depth.Cook the Beans.
You know what makes this dish simple and delicious? No blanching required. Just grab your beans, make sure they’re stringed (unless you’re using store-bought, which are usually good to go), and toss them into a large pan heated to medium-high with a neutral oil. Keep it straightforward: salt, pepper, and a little sizzle. As the beans begin to soften and pick up some gorgeous brown marks, you’ll know it’s time to stop. Don’t overcook them — you want them to be tender with just the right amount of bite.Add the Sauce.
Once the beans are cooked to your liking, turn off the heat. Pour that luscious sauce over them — the residual heat will melt the sugar without letting it caramelize. Toss everything together until each bean is coated in that beautiful, savory-sweet goodness.Top It Off.
Transfer your beans to a plate, and go ahead and pile on the crispy bacon bits and garlic chips. Maybe add a little extra chili crunch on top if you’re feeling wild. It’s all about texture and those irresistible layers of flavor.
🍴she’s serving.
You’ve got crispy, savory, sweet, and just the right amount of heat. This dish is such a game changer — vibrant, simple, and just a touch indulgent. Green beans may usually just be a side but this baby is a main character that deserves the spotlight.
What makes this so simple and delicious is the fact that you don’t have to go through the trouble of blanching your beans like you do most green bean dishes. I think sautéing gives you a more toothsome bite and more control over not overcooking or under cooking. PLUS you don’t miss out on the chance to get some gorgeous browning for a touch more depth.
This is hands down one of the most delicious recipes I’ve made and these are guaranteed to fly off the plate. Life’s too short for shitty boring veggie dishes. Switch things up and start giving your plant heavy sides the love and innovation they deserve.
-Love Always, Yaz