Sweet & Spicy Chinese Green Beans

I had this incredible dish for the first time recently and within days I had picked up the ingredients to remake it. Green beans are one of my favorite vegetables, so it was nice to find a new and delicious way to prepare them.

This is great as a main course (esp for lunch!), perhaps with rice, or as a side dish with other Asian entrees. Super cheap, fast and easy to make.

 

Ingredients:

1 pound green beans, ends trimmed

2 tablespoons sesame or vegetable oil

2 teaspoons Thai chili garlic paste

2 green onions, chopped

6 cloves garlic, chopped

2 tablespoons soy sauce (or to taste)

2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (for garnish, if desired)

Directions:Heat a nonstick skillet or wok on medium high; add oil. Add the green beans and stir fry them for about 6 minutes, or until they start to brown a bit. Toss in garlic, green onions, and chili-garlic paste. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and about 1/4 cup water. Cook for a few more minutes, until most of the liquid has cooked off and the green beans are still crisp, but a bit softened and shriveled. Do not overcook, or the green beans will be mushy. Remove from heat and serve while warm, sprinkled with red pepper flakes if desired.