A delightful stir-fry recipe featuring green beans with a spicy garlic sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful side dish.
Wash the green beans thoroughly and trim the ends.
Use fresh green beans for the best flavor and texture.
Steam the green beans in a vegetable steamer over boiling water for 5 minutes.
Steaming helps retain the vibrant color and nutrients of the beans.
In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat.
Use a nonstick skillet to prevent sticking and reduce the need for oil.
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
Add the steamed green beans to the skillet and stir-fry for 5 minutes.
Keep stirring to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
In a small bowl, mix the water, soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Dissolve the cornstarch completely to avoid lumps in the sauce.
Pour the sauce over the green beans in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the beans.
Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving.
Serve the green beans hot as a side dish or over rice for a complete meal.
Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped scallions for added flavor and presentation.