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Garlic Sauce Chinese Green Beans

Close-up of vibrant, blistered chinese green beans with garlic sauce piled on a white plate.

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Make restaurant-style blistered green beans quickly in a wok or skillet with a savory garlic soy sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1 tablespoon water or vegetable broth (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until very hot. Add the oil and swirl to coat.
  2. Add the trimmed green beans to the hot wok in a single layer if possible. Cook without stirring for 2 to 3 minutes to allow them to blister and char slightly.
  3. Toss the beans and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender-crisp and show some brown spots.
  4. Push the beans to one side of the wok. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the empty space and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and white pepper. If the sauce seems too thick, add the water or broth.
  6. Pour the sauce mixture over the beans and toss everything quickly to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Remove from heat immediately and serve hot.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, add 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of chili oil with the garlic.
  • If you do not have a wok, use the largest, heaviest skillet you own and work in batches if necessary to maintain high heat for blistering.
  • Serve these beans alongside fried rice or a simple stir-fried tofu for a complete meal.

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