1.
green beans, string beans, snap beans
A common vegetable in Japanese cuisine, often used in side dishes and stir-fries.
インゲン is short for インゲン豆 (string beans/green beans). Named after the monk 隠元 who is said to have brought them from China in the 17th century.
Writing
Usually written in katakana. The kanji form 隠元 exists but is rarely used for the vegetable.
Common dishes
- インゲンの胡麻和え: green beans with sesame dressing
- 肉巻きインゲン: meat-wrapped green beans
- インゲンの天ぷら: green bean tempura
- インゲンの煮物: simmered green beans
Preparation
Before cooking, the 筋 (strings) are typically removed by snapping the ends. Common cooking methods include 茹でる (boiling) and 炒める (stir-frying).