Szechuan Green Beans

Ingredients

• 1 pound Chinese longbeans (also called yardlong beans or just longbeans)
• 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger, chopped
• 2 green onions, white parts only
• 1 teaspoon chili paste
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon sugar
• 0.25 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil for stir-frying, or as needed

Instructions

1. Wash the longbeans, drain thoroughly, and trim the tops and bottoms.
2. Cut the longbeans on the diagonal into slices approximately 2 inches long.
3. Chop the garlic, ginger and white part of the green onions.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat.
5. Add the longbeans and stir-fry until they start to shrivel or "pucker" and turn brown (5 - 15 minutes).
6. Remove the long beans and drain in a colander or on paper towels.
7. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in the wok on high heat.
8. Add the garlic, ginger and scallions.
9. Stir-fry for a few seconds, then add the chili paste and stir-fry for a few more seconds until aromatic.
10. Add the longbeans and the remaining ingredients.
11. Mix together and serve.