Charred Green Beans with Sesame Breadcrumbs
Blistered green beans, lemon, and sesame breadcrumbs turn a simple side into a crisp, savory skillet dish.
Prep: 10 · Cook: 10 · Total: 20 · Serves: 4 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.8/5 (142 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
This original side combines fast skillet charring with a nutty breadcrumb topping and a bright lemon finish.
Story
Casey keeps green beans in the regular dinner rotation because they can take a little heat and still taste fresh. A hot skillet gives them dark edges, while sesame breadcrumbs make every bite crackle. Lemon wakes up the whole plate at the end. Put them down beside almost anything and watch them disappear before the main dish gets a second look.
By Casey
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Pat the green beans very dry, then toss them with 1 tablespoon olive oil and the salt.
- Heat a large skillet over high heat, add the beans, and cook for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until blistered and just tender.
- Transfer the beans to a plate and lower the heat to medium.
- Add the remaining oil, panko, sesame seeds, garlic, and pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring for 2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Return the green beans to the skillet and toss with the breadcrumbs and lemon zest.
- Finish with lemon juice and parsley, then serve while the crumbs are crisp.
Chef Tips
- Dry beans char more readily than wet beans.
- Use a wide skillet so the beans stay in one layer.
- Add lemon juice just before serving so the breadcrumbs remain crunchy.
- For a richer side, finish with a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil.
Cook's Notes
- **Beans:** Dry them well before they hit the skillet.
- **Heat:** Keep the pan hot enough to blister, not steam.
- **Breadcrumbs:** Stir constantly once they begin to brown.
- **Timing:** Add lemon juice at the table for maximum crunch.