TikTok Has Discovered NYC's Iconic Green Beans In A Bag
Imagine the diverse array of street food available in bustling New York City. Now, visualize someone navigating through the crowded streets, their plastic fork diving into a bag of ... green beans? Yes, green beans served in a paper bag have emerged as a viral sensation, thanks to TikTok user @daniellejanaae, who went viral for enthusiastically devouring green beans right out of a bag while lounging on her couch. The video sparked a flurry of comments and reactions, one declaring, "Food of 2024 > 'GREEN BEANS in a bag'" to "Loose green beans?" But another commenter asked what may be the most burning question on all of our minds, "ummm, so why does it taste different than green beans on a PLATE?"
Like other TikTok food trends like green goddess salad dip and edible butter candles, these internet-famous green beans prove that a bit of imagination can make food more fun. For this dish, the beans are steamed until crisp, seasoned with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt, then served in a paper bag. We won't pretend they're just like french fries, but they do give off similar energy. The combination of ease, wholesome ingredients, and the novelty of eating from a bag has turned this humble vegetable into a delectable one. And the best part? You can find this dish at a restaurant or make it at home.
When did people start eating green beans in a bag?
The trend traces back to Miznon, a Mediterranean street food restaurant that first opened its doors in Israel. With locations in the U.S., Canada, France, Austria, Singapore, Australia, and England, Miznon's menu boasts inventive items like falafel burgers, "the original world-famous" baby cauliflower, a fish 'n' chips pita, and of course, their beloved green beans in a bag. The bag o' beans trend has become a particular hit among hip NYC foodies, as Miznon has four locations between Central Park and Chelsea.
In a tutorial video from UIA Australia, Chef Afik Gal of Miznon Melbourne also refers to the dish as a green bean salad, highlighting his use of a mix of seasonal beans to keep the restaurant's offering fresh and enticing. He suggests that the choice to serve these beans in a paper bag is more than a stylistic one based on the chain's street food vibe; it's about enhancing the visual and tactile experience of enjoying a humble vegetable. In his words, this makes them look "fresh and sexy," and we have to agree.
Making your own bean bag at home
As both Miznon's chef and the TikToker we mentioned explain, bringing this trend to life is surprisingly easy. Start by boiling the green beans in heavily salted water to mimic the taste of the sea and bring out the flavor of the green beans. If using string beans, boil them for about several minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp (but not mushy). You can test this by giving one a bite before you move on to the next step.
Next, drain the green beans, then plunge them into an ice bath to halt the cooking process and preserve their color. Drain the beans again before tossing them with extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice, along with garlic and a generous amount of coarse salt. If you want the full street food experience, serve them up in a brown paper bag lined with parchment paper.
You can stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different types of beans, including butter beans, snow peas, and snap peas. The sky is the limit with seasonings too — try parmesan, sesame seeds, caramelized onions, or vinegar for a different twist on this recipe. Whether you switch up the seasonings or serve your green beans from a bowl or plate instead of a bag, this dish will make vegetables the star of the show.