Sautéed Asian Green Beans

Ingredients:

1 pound fresh green beans

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/4 cup water

1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

1 teaspoon dried ground ginger

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Yield:

4, 1-cup servings

Directions:

Wash green beans. Remove the ends and strings. Cut into 1-inch pieces. In a large pan or wok, heat oil over medium heat. Sautée the garlic until it is fragrant. Add the red pepper flakes. Stir for 1 minute. Add beans and toss to mix. Add water and sesame oil (if using). Cover and steam for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the cover. Add the soy sauce, ground ginger, and brown sugar. Stir for 4 to 6 minutes until a sauce forms and the green beans soften to your liking. Mix in sesame seeds and serve warm over brown rice or rice noodles.