Green Beans - Crunchy Szechuan

By Jgerwin

Ingredients

• 1 TBLS canola oil
• 1 LB green beans, trimmed
• 1/3 C coarsely chopped onion
• 1/4 C hoisin sauce
• 2 TBLS soy sauce
• 1 TBLS dark (Asian) sesame oil
• 1 TBLS water, or as needed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, or 2 tsp Chinese chili paste wit garlic, or to taste
• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Preparation

Step 1

Heat the canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beans and onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans are crisp-tender and blackened in spots, about 5-10 minutes, depending on their thickness.

Meanwhile, whisk the remaining ingredients, except the sesame seeds, in a small bowl. Stir in more water as needed until the sauce has a cake-batter consistency. Set aside.

Remove the beans from the heat. Add the sauce and stir until the beans are evenly coated. Taste and adjust the seasonings.