Famous Restaurant Blistered Green Beans

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb fresh green beans (trimmed; can use 1-2 lbs)
• 2 tbsp avocado oil (for processing garlic)
• 9 garlic cloves (8-10 cloves)
• 3 tbsp sesame oil (for the glaze)
• 0.25 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp sugar (can use honey or coconut sugar)
• 2 lemons (small, zested and juiced (use 1 if you prefer it less tangy))
• salt (to taste)
• sesame seeds (optional garnish)
• chili flakes (optional for heat)

Steps

1. 1

   Prepare a large bowl of ice water and set it aside near the stove.

2. 2

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

3. 3

   Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and cook for 5-7 minutes (or 7-8 minutes for larger beans) until they are bright green and tender but still have a slight crunch.

4. 4

   Drain the green beans and immediately transfer them to the ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain them again and pat dry.

5. 5

   Process the garlic cloves with the 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a small food processor or 'zhuzher' until it reaches a spoonable, watery texture with small visible pieces of garlic.

6. 6

   Heat a wide skillet or wok over high heat. Add a small amount of oil to coat the bottom of the pan.

7. 7

   Once the oil is shimmering, add the green beans in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Let them sit undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes until they begin to blister and char on the bottom.

8. 8

   Toss the beans and repeat the blistering process once more.

9. 9

   Add the processed garlic-oil mixture directly to the pan with the beans. Cook and toss for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.

10. 10

    Remove the green beans from the pan and transfer them to a serving bowl.

11. 11

    In the same 'dirty' pan, add the soy sauce, sugar (or honey/coconut sugar), and sesame oil.

12. 12

    Toss the sauce ingredients quickly over the heat until the mixture is glossy and the sugar has completely melted.

13. 13

    Pour the hot glaze over the green beans in the serving bowl.

14. 14

    Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the bowl and toss to combine.

15. 15

    Generously salt to taste and garnish with optional sesame seeds or chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

The creator suggests using fresh, 'fat' green beans for the best texture. If you find the lemon too tangy, reduce to 1 lemon. The key to the restaurant flavor is the high-heat char and the specific garlic-oil processing method.

Nutrition per serving

• side dish
• vegetable
• copycat
• kosher
• blistered
• asian-fusion
• vegan-friendly