Famous Recipes - Szechuan Green Bean Recipe

Szechuan Green Bean Recipe

These beans are "dry-fried," which makes them more tender and less crunchy. The recipe calls for Chinese longbeans, but you can use haricots verts, green beans or runner beans. Serves 4.

INGREDIENTS: 1 lb Chinese longbeans 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon ginger, chopped 2 scallions (spring onions, green onions), white parts only 1/2 teaspoon chili paste 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste Pepper to taste, optional

PREPARATION: Wash the longbeans, drain thoroughly, and trim the tops and bottoms. Cut the longbeans on the diagonal into slices approximately 2 inches long. Chop the ginger, garlic and white part of the scallions. Heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add the longbeans and stir-fry until they start to shrivel or "pucker" and turn brown (5 - 7 minutes). Remove the long beans and drain in a colander or on paper towels. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in the wok on high heat. Add the garlic, ginger and scallions. Stir-fry for a few seconds, then add the chili paste and stir-fry for a few more seconds until aromatic. Add the longbeans and the remaining ingredients. Mix together and serve. Serving suggestion: Szechuan Green Beans would make an excellent side dish to accompany Mapo Tofu.