Wax beans, also known as flat pod beans or long beans, are a type of legume that has gained popularity in recent years for their unique texture and nutty flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish or a hearty main course, wax beans can be cooked in a variety of ways to bring out their natural sweetness. From classic sautéed recipes to more adventurous stir-fries, we’ve rounded up 18 mouth-watering wax bean recipes that are sure to spice up your cooking routine.
Garlic Butter Sautéed Wax Beans
Elevate your vegetable game with this simple and flavorful recipe that brings out the natural sweetness of wax beans.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound wax beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the wax beans until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Add the cooked wax beans to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to combine, ensuring the beans are well coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Herb Roasted Wax Beans
Brighten up your dinner table with this vibrant and flavorful side dish featuring wax beans, lemons, and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound wax beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss wax beans with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, rosemary, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Spread the bean mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until beans are tender and slightly caramelized.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bacon-Wrapped Wax Bean Bundles
A flavorful twist on traditional green beans, these bacon-wrapped wax bean bundles are perfect for a quick and easy side dish or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound wax beans, trimmed
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut in half
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Wrap each wax bean bundle with a piece of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
4. Place the bundles on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Sprinkle with minced garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Sesame Wax Bean Stir-Fry
A flavorful and spicy stir-fry that combines the nutty taste of sesame oil with the sweetness of wax beans, all wrapped up in a savory and aromatic package.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wax beans, sliced
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add sliced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Add wax beans, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until beans are tender-crisp.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes.
Creamy Parmesan Wax Beans
This recipe is a creamy twist on classic wax beans, featuring the rich flavors of parmesan cheese and a hint of garlic. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound wax beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add wax beans and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer.
4. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened.
5. Remove from oven and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Wax Bean and Tomato Salad
This refreshing summer salad combines the sweetness of wax beans with the tanginess of tomatoes, perfect for a quick and easy side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup fresh wax beans, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine wax beans, tomatoes, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves, if desired.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Honey Glazed Wax Beans with Almonds
Sweet and savory, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of wax beans with the crunch of toasted almonds and a hint of honey.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound wax beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss wax beans with olive oil, honey, and salt until well coated.
3. Spread the bean mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
5. While beans are roasting, toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned (about 5 minutes).
6. Remove beans from oven and sprinkle with toasted almonds and parsley.
7. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Wax Bean and Potato Hash
A hearty and flavorful side dish that combines the natural sweetness of wax beans with the comforting earthiness of potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound wax beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss wax beans with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread wax beans on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Add potato cubes to the skillet and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are golden brown and tender.
6. Combine roasted wax beans with cooked potatoes and garlic in the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Garlicky Wax Bean and Mushroom Medley
This hearty medley combines the sweet flavor of wax beans with the earthiness of mushrooms, all tied together with a garlicky twist. Perfect as a side dish or added to your favorite protein for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wax beans, trimmed
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss wax beans with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread wax beans on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20 minutes or until tender.
4. In a separate pan, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown (5-7 minutes).
5. Add garlic to the pan and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
6. Combine roasted wax beans with sautéed mushroom mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Wax Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions
This hearty casserole combines the natural sweetness of wax beans with the savory flavor of crispy onions, all wrapped up in a comforting layer of golden-brown cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound wax beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a separate pot of boiling salted water, cook the wax beans until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked wax beans, caramelized onions, and grated cheese.
5. Pour the heavy cream over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Wax Bean and Corn Succotash
This classic succotash recipe combines the sweetness of wax beans and corn with a hint of smokiness from the bacon. A perfect side dish for any occasion!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound wax beans, trimmed
– 2 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 4 ears)
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the wax beans according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the corn kernels to the skillet and stir to combine with the onion mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly tender.
6. Stir in the cooked wax beans, cooked bacon, salt, and pepper.
7. Transfer the succotash to a baking dish and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Wax Bean and Carrot Stir-Fry
A colorful and flavorful vegetarian stir-fry that combines the sweetness of wax beans with the crunch of carrots, all in one quick and easy dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wax beans, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the wax beans and carrots, stir-frying for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Pour in the soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Wax Bean and Bacon Pasta Salad
A refreshing summer salad that combines the sweetness of wax beans with the smokiness of bacon, all tossed together with al dente pasta.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli, or rotini)
- 1 pound wax beans, trimmed
- 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, cook the wax beans over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cooked wax beans, crumbled bacon, sliced red onion, and chopped parsley.
- Drizzle the olive oil and vinegar over the salad, tossing to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Wax Bean and Feta Stuffed Peppers
A sweet and savory twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of wax beans with the tanginess of feta cheese.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 can (14.5 oz) wax beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add wax beans and feta cheese to the skillet; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Stuff each pepper with the bean-feta mixture, dividing it evenly among the four peppers.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Wax Bean and Chickpea Curry
This recipe combines the sweetness of wax beans with the earthiness of chickpeas, all wrapped up in a flavorful curry sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14 oz) wax beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add wax beans and chickpeas. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve over rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Wax Bean and Ham Soup
A hearty and comforting soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe combines the sweetness of wax beans with the savory flavor of ham, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound wax beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup diced cooked ham (such as country ham or prosciutto)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the wax beans, chicken broth, diced ham, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the beans are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Wax Bean and Quinoa Pilaf
A nutritious and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite main courses.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 medium wax bean, sliced into thin rounds
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the quinoa and water or broth to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and fluffy.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes or until translucent.
4. Add the sliced wax bean and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the beans are slightly tender.
5. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and add it to the skillet. Stir gently to combine with the wax bean mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Wax Bean and Sausage Skillet
This hearty skillet dish combines sweet wax beans with savory sausage for a comforting meal that’s ready in under an hour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend brunch, this recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb smoked sausage (such as Andouille or kielbasa), sliced
– 2 cups wax beans (fresh or frozen)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the wax beans, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Return the sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the bean mixture.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the beans are tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your meal game with these 18 mouthwatering wax bean recipes! From classic garlic butter sautéed beans to more adventurous dishes like spicy sesame stir-fry and honey glazed beans with almonds, there’s something for everyone. Try roasting wax beans with lemon and herbs, wrapping them in bacon, or adding them to a hearty potato hash. These versatile beans can also be used in salads, casseroles, pasta dishes, and even as a topping for stuffed peppers. With so many creative options, you’ll never get bored of wax beans again!
