Ingredients:

  • 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions:

  1. Whisk the glaze. Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Whisk until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
  2. Heat the oil. Place your skillet over medium high heat with the neutral oil. Wait until the oil shimmers and almost wisps smoke.
  3. Sear the beans. Add the trimmed green beans in a single layer. Let them sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until dark charred spots develop on the skins.
  4. Toss and finish sear. Toss the beans and cook for another 2 minutes until they are tender crisp.
  5. Adjust the heat. Reduce your burner to medium.
  6. Add aromatics. Push the beans to the edges of the pan. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the center.
  7. Fragrance check. Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until it smells nutty and turns golden.
  8. Apply the glaze. Pour the sauce mixture over the beans.
  9. The final toss. Toss rapidly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a silky glaze that coats every bean.
  10. Stop the cook. Remove from heat immediately to prevent the sugar from scorching.