How To Make Japanese Beans With Sesame & Miso Dressing (Recipe)
May 11, 2008 by foodieguide
In January, I wrote about 8 Useful Japanese Ingredients. Here’s a simple recipe for fine beans with sesame & miso dressing that I learnt from Kimiko Barber at her Japanese Kitchen cookery workshop held at Books for Cooks in Notting Hill, London. She’s written various cookery books on Japanese food, and focuses on home-style cooking. The recipe is taken from the workshop recipe booklet that was handed out in class.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp miso paste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 200g / 7oz fine beans, trimmed
- 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish
Grind sesame seeds into a coarse paste with a pestle and mortar. Add rest of ingredients and continue to grind until smooth. Boil beans for 2 mins maximum, drain, place in ice water for 2-3 mins and drain again. Coat with dressing. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve. This would make a delicious side dish. A similar dish from my Japanese stepmother-in-law is her recipe for Brussel Sprouts in Sesame Sauce.
For more tips and recipes about Japanese food, Kimiko’s book The Japanese Kitchen is definitely worth buying. 100 ingredients are presented, each with two authentic recipes, ranging from classic to modern. I own very few cookbooks (3 to be precise), but I would probably buy this, if only to read about the ingredients. I’ve never recommended a cookbook on World Foodie Guide, so this is a first!
Helen Yuet Ling Pang @ World Foodie Guide
Looks nice, I will try it. You should try the same recipe, but replace the miso with a soy, sesame oil, vinegar dressing.
Thanks, great tip and will definitely try it!
Helen Yuet Ling
Oh, I love sesame dressings on vegetables. If Kumiko’s version is similar to the one I make (and maybe it’s not—mine has no added oil) when you add the vinegar the sesame mixture suddenly turns to a creamy color. Also, if you try mine, add less sugar and more dashi to thin it out.
Hi Tess
This was more like a paste than a dressing. My husband actually told me to add a few drops of sesame oil to help the paste spread over the beans a bit more. So many versions to make a simple tasty dish! Will experiment more next time…
Helen Yuet Ling
Hi There. I have just been looking through your blog and it is excellent. I have now bookmarked it and will be a regular reader. I especially like the design and the photos. I am a blogger myself and have set up a site called http://www.ifoods.tv where bloggers and foodies can share their photos and drive traffic to their own blog. Would love to see some of your great photos on there! Keep the great work up on the blog. Cheers!
Hi Niall
Thanks for bookmarking my blog, it’s much appreciated. I had a quick look at your site and will spend more time browsing through it!
Helen Yuet Ling
…and it’s always nice to see wifey actually making the food she loves eating and writing about!
GP
Hi Helen,
Just wanted to thank you for posting this wonderful recipe. I tried it for the first time last night and all my friends who came to the dinner party loved it! Thank you for sharing!
Hi Miranda
Thanks for letting me know! I was really proud of myself when I made it for my parents and husband, especially as I don’t cook much. I should really thank Kimiko Barber for teaching me how to make it!
Helen Yuet Ling
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