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Green Beans with Ama-Koji Sesame Sauce | Sweet, Nutty & Gut-Friendly Japanese Side Dish

  • Writer: Hitomi
    Hitomi
  • Oct 30
  • 2 min read

This easy, 10-minute recipe combines the gentle sweetness of Ama-Koji and the nutty aroma of sesame for a perfectly balanced side dish that’s full of probiotics and natural enzymes!


Plate of green beans with sesame sauce on a textured wooden table. Text reads: "Green Beans with Ama-Koji Sesame Sauce."

CONTENTS



ABOUT THIS RECIPE |

This “Goma-ae” style side dish uses Ama-Koji instead of sugar and Soy Sauce Koji instead of soy sauce for a healthier, enzyme-rich sweetness. It’s vegan, dairy-free, refined-sugar free, and loaded with prebiotics that your gut will love.



RECIPE OVERVIEW |

  • Prep Time: 5 min

  • Cook Time: 5 min

  • Total Time: 10 min

  • Servings: 2

  • Cuisine: Japanese

  • Equipment Needed: Steamer, mortar & pestle, bowl

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Suitable For: Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, refined-sugar-free



NUTRITION & GUT HEALTH BENEFITS |

  • Ama-Koji: Natural enzymes help digestion & promote a balanced microbiome.

  • Soy Sauce Koji: Adds probiotics that aid nutrient absorption.

  • Sesame Seeds: Rich in fiber, calcium, and magnesium — supports healthy digestion & metabolism.

  • Green Beans: Provide prebiotic fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A & C.



INGREDIENTS |

  • 180g green beans

  • 2 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce koji

  • 3 tbsp ama-koji

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil



INSTRUCTIONS |

  1. Steam green beans for 4–5 minutes until tender but crisp.

  2. Grind toasted sesame seeds until finely crushed.

  3. In a bowl, mix ground sesame, ama-koji, soy sauce koji, and sesame oil.

  4. Add the steamed green beans and toss to coat evenly.




RECIPE NOTES |

  • Don’t boil the green beans — steaming keeps their nutrients and bright color.

  • For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of yuzu zest or chili flakes before serving.



FINAL THOUGHTS |

This Ama-Koji Sesame Green Bean dish is a quick and delicious way to incorporate fermented foods into your everyday meals. Sweet, savory, and gut-friendly — your body will thank you! 💚


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