After you make these umami green beans, you'll never want to make green beans another way again! The char adds an addictive sweetness like no other that will knock your socks off.

Cooked green beans on a round black plate.

How to trim green beans

To trim your green beans, pinch or cut off the stems. The pointy end does not need to be trimmed (photo 1). Then, chop or not and cook as you please. I add them to a heated cast iron with avocado oil and cook them until charred (photos 2 & 3).

Step by step trim and cook green beans in cast iron.

How to cook fresh green beans

After charring your green beans on at least one side, add your soy sauce, mirin, scallions, and garlic (photos 1 & 2). Then, toss well to coat and cook until charred all over.

Step by step cooking green beans in a cast iron pan.

Tips for the perfect sautéed green bean recipe

The more charred the green beans are, the more delicious they will be.
Cook in a cast iron pan for extra char! You do not need to make this recipe in a cast iron and I have made it both ways. If you choose to use a regular pan, cooking the green beans may take a few extra minutes.
Keep a splash guard handy. The green beans will spatter when they hit the oil because of their water content.

You won't need another green bean recipe after trying this one!

Overhead shot of cooked green beans in a round black plate.

Looking for a cast iron pan?

There are 2 cast iron options that are awesome. The Lodge cast iron skillet ($33) works great and is a great price. If you’re looking for the pretty one photographed in this post, grab the 12" Finex cast iron with lid ($280). It's awesome. Make sure you get the one with the lid!

Print Recipe

5 from 9 votes

Umami Green Beans

Make extra because everyone will be snacking on these before they even hit the table!

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Asian

Servings:

Calories: 157kcal

Author: Candice

Ingredients

Instructions

Sauté the green beans in the oil over medium/medium-high until charred on at least one side, tossing occasionally, ~10 minutes
When cooked, add the scallion whites and garlic. Cook for 5 more minutes, tossing to make sure the green beans are well coated and charred all over.
Add the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, scallions, and garlic. Cook ~1 minute.
Serve immediately!

Notes

The more charred the green beans are, the more delicious they will be.

Cook in a cast iron pan for extra char!

Keep a splash guard handy. The green beans will spatter when they hit the oil because of their water content.

Nutrition

Did you try this recipe?Don't forget to leave a rating and/or comment! And tag @ProportionalPlate on TikTok or Instagram... I'd love to see what you're making.