Asian Geen Beans

I do love Chinese food: I think the Chinese are experts at flavor; Ginger, Sesame Seed Oil, Garlic, Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Sweet and Sour, Hot and Sour…. the list goes on; it is all delicious and so are these Green Beans; they  are now on my "favorites" list.   This recipe was inspired from blogchef.net "Chinese Green Bean Recipe";  varied a little of course, because I can never just make a recipe "as is"… It always seems that there is something I want to do a little different; in this case, I was wanting to replace some of the traditional ingredients with  a healthier variation.  You will love this sweet, salty, garlicy, gingery, sesame sauce, stir fried with these green beans.

Peel and Mince 2 teaspoons of fresh ginger and 2 cloves of garlic.

Mix together water, soy sauce, cornstarch, coconut nectar, sesame oil and pepper flakes.

Steam the green beans for 5 minutes, then strain and rinse in cold water.

Put 2-3 tablespoons of peanut oil into a large skillet or wok and

stir fry the ginger and garlic for 30 seconds and then add the green beans.

Stir fry for 5 more minutes.

Add the sauce.

Cook and stir for another minute….

…until sauce has thickened.

Top with Sesame seeds.

Stir and Serve.

Asian Green Beans

Ingredients:
Peanut oil (for frying)
1lb fresh french green beans, washed and drained (I used a tender French Green bean if you use a larger green bean, be sure to remove the strings and ends).
2 teaspoons fresh ginger root (minced)
2 garlic clove (minced)
4 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons soy sauce: I used Liquid Aminos 1/2 Coconut Secret, and 1/2 Bragg Liquid Aminos.
2 teaspoons non-gmo cornstarch, or tapioca powder (you can also use Xanthum Gum)
4 teaspoons Coconut Nectar (or sucanat or stevia)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 

1/2 teaspoon organic sesame seeds ( I used black, white would be fine).

Instructions:

1. Peel and mince ginger and garlic
2. In a medium /small bowl, mix together water, soy sauce, cornstarch, Coconut Nectar, sesame oil and crushed pepper flakes; Stir together and set aside.
3. Steam green beans for approximately 5 minutes in a steamer or medium sized stock pot. 
4. Strain and rinse with cool water.
5. Heat a Wok or large skillet and about 2 tablespoons peanut oil on medium-hi heat.
6. Add Minced Garlic and Ginger and sauté for approximately 30 seconds.
7. Add Green Beans and stir fry for approximately 5 minutes.
8. Drizzle with soy sauce mixture and stir fry for another minute, or until sauce has thickened and covers green beans nicely.
9. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
10. This is wonderful with chicken or fish and fried rice.  Consider making another batch of the sauce and serving it over the meat and rice.
11. Enjoy!