Ingredients

• 1 lb green beans, haricots verts or Chinese longbeans

• 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped

• 1 tablespoon ginger, chopped

• 2 scallions (spring onions, green onions), white parts only, finely chopped

• 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

• 2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil, or as needed

Preparation

Preparing the ingredients: Wash the green beans, drain thoroughly, and trim the tops and bottoms. Cut the green beans on the diagonal into slices approximately 2 inches long. Chop the garlic, ginger and scallions.

Dry-Frying: Heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add the green beans and stir-fry until they start to shrivel or “pucker” and turn brown (6 to 7 minutes for longbeans). Remove the green beans from the wok and drain in a colander.

Cooking the aromatics: 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.

Assembling: Add the green beans and the dark soy sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper if using. Stir everything together, and taste and adjust the seasoning if desired. Serve hot.