Hot Szechuan-Style Green Beans

Ingredients

• 1 lb green beans
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sugar or Splenda sugar substitute
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon hot chili flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger

Directions

1. 1

   Rinse and drain green beans;trim off and discard stem ends.

2. 2

   Cut green beans into 2- to 3-inch lengths.

3. 3

   In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili flakes, and white pepper.

4. 4

   Set a 10- to 12-inch frying pan over high heat.

5. 5

   When pan is hot, add green beans and 1/4 cup water.

6. 6

   Cover and cook, stirring once, until beans are bright green and slightly crunchy to bite, 3 to 4 minutes.

7. 7

   Uncover and cook until any remaining water has evaporated.

8. 8

   Add oil, garlic, and ginger to pan stir until green beans and garlic are slightly browned, 1to 2 minutes.

9. 9

   Stir soy mixture and add to pan; bring to a boil and stir until most of the liquid has evaporated and the sauce thickens and coats the beans, 2 to 3 minutes.

10. 10

    Pour into serving dish.

11. 11

    Serve hot or cold.