Wok Or Skillet Asian-Style Fresh Green Beans - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs fresh green beans, ends trimmed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh garlic (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional or adjust to taste)
1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed (can use a little more if desired)
black pepper
salt (optional)
cornstarch (mixed with cold water to thicken sauce)
sliced almonds or sesame seeds

Preparation

Cook the green beans in a pot of boiling salted water until JUST crisp-tender (about 3 minutes) plunge into an ice water bath to cool completely.
Drain well and pat the beans dry using paper towels.
Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat; add in garlic and chili flakes (if using) stir-fry 1 minute.
Add in beans and stir-fry for about 2 minutes.
Add in soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar and black pepper; cook until the sauce reduces slightly and coats the beans (about 1-1/2-2 minutes longer).
If you want a thick sauce mix a small amount of cornstarch with a small amount of cold water and add in towards the end.
Add in the almonds or sesame seeds; toss to coat and transfer to a bowl.