Recipes: Asian Braised Green Beans

I have always liked Szechuan green beans, and always order them when I go to a Chinese restaurant.  This recipe is simpler and easier to prepare, for it is a one-stop process – the green beans are sautéed over high heat in an iron skillet until they are lightly browned, then spices are added.  Delicious!

Asian Braised Green Beans

* 1/2 lb. fresh green beans

* 2 Tbsp. olive oil

* 3 lg. cloves garlic, chopped well

* 3-5 shakes hot pepper flakes

* 1 Tbsp. soy sauce

* 1 Tbsp. Balsamic vinegar

* 1 tsp. sesame oil

* 5 grindings black pepper

- Heat the oil in an iron skillet until very hot (high heat)

- Add the green beans and stir frequently until they begin to brown/blacken evenly.  The term in Chinese cookbooks is ‘puckered’ to know when the beans are done.

- Lower the heat to medium-high and add the chopped garlic, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and vinegar; and stir well

- Sauté for a few minutes, stirring constantly until the liquid has been evaporated

- Turn off the heat, add the sesame oil and ground pepper

- Serve