Mixed Beans with Peanuts, Ginger, and Lime

A vibrant and flavorful dish combining crisp-tender mixed snap beans with aromatic Asian ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, and kaffir lime leaves, finished with crunchy peanuts and fresh cilantro in a bright citrus dressing.

6 servings
29 min

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds mixed snap beans (such as green, wax, haricots verts, and/or Romano), trimmed
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • ½ large shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 piece ginger, peeled, finely grated
  • 1 stalk lemongrass stalk, tough outer layers removed, finely grated on a Microplane
  • 2 cloves garlic cloves, finely grated
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • to taste Freshly ground black pepper
  • cup salted, roasted peanuts
  • 3 leaves kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • ¼ teaspoon sugar
  • cup cilantro leaves with tender stems
  • to taste cilantro for serving

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Working in batches by type, cook beans in a large pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, 1-4 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a large bowl of ice water; let cool. Drain and pat dry.

    15 min

  2. 2.

    Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a small skillet over medium and cook shallot, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3 minutes. Add ginger, lemongrass, garlic, and coriander and cook, stirring, until very fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer to a large bowl; season with salt and pepper.

    4 min

  3. 3.

    Heat 1 tablespoon oil in same skillet over medium-high. Cook peanuts, tossing often, until golden brown and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to paper towels; let cool, then coarsely chop. Set aside 1 tablespoon peanuts for serving.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Whisk kaffir lime leaves, lime zest, lime juice, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 3 tablespoons oil into shallot mixture. Add beans, remaining peanuts, and 1/3 cup cilantro and toss to coat; season with salt and pepper. Serve topped with more cilantro and reserved peanuts.

    5 min