Wednesday, April 1, 2009

What to Eat Wednesday- Green beans with Ginger and Toasted Sesame Oil

Many years ago, Jay came home from a business trip raving about the best green beans he had ever tasted.  He had gotten the recipe for me. I did not make them at first because, come on. It was green beans. But he kept talking about them. So I finally gave in thinking, really if a man is going on and on about green beans they must be good.
Oh.
They were good.
So very good.
See for yourself. Really.


Green Beans with Ginger and Toasted Sesame Oil

1 pound green beans (about 4 cups) ends trimmed
2 teaspoons tasted (oriental) sesame oil
1 Tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable, or olive oil)
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more for extra spice)
1/2 Tablespoon soy sauce
2 Tablespoons water

Steam beans until barely cooked. Approximately 3 minutes. Beans should still be crunchy. Drain beans and reserve.
In a saute' pan, add the sesame and peanut oils, garlic and ginger over medium high heat. When sizzling, reduce heat to medium low and saute' until garlic turns light brown. Do not overcook. Add the red pepper flakes, green beans, soy sauce and water. Cook over medium high heat for 3 minutes, stirring once per minute, until the water evaporates.

(possible vegetable substitutions- carrots, broccoli or asparagus)


4 comments:

Jenn said...

mmmm, these sound good - i'm always looking for a way to change up the veggies!

Alyssa said...

thank you for your supportive comment.
These beans look delicious! I've been craving them lately so I think I must make them.

kt said...

Yumm!!! I dont know where you find the time to do everything. Your family is very lucky! Hope all is well!

Alyssa said...

just thought I'd let you know I made these . . . sort of, I didn't plan very well so I had to adapt - but they were delicious! I loved the kick from the red pepper flakes.