Fiery Wok Seared Green Beans Recipes

WOK-SEARED SESAME GREEN BEANS

Steps:

• Cook green beans in large pot of boiling water until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain.
• Transfer green beans to large bowl of ice water to cool. Drain again.
• Pat green beans dry. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Wrap green beans in paper towels and enclose in resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate.).
• Toast sesame seeds: Heat the seeds in a dry pan over medium heat, or on a sheet in a 275ºF oven, until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
• Heat oil in heavy large wok or nonstick skillet over high heat.
• Add green beans and stir-fry until heated through, about 2 minutes.
• Add soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and pepper. Stir-fry until sauce reduces slightly and loosely coats green beans, about 2 minutes longer.
• Add toasted sesame seeds and toss to coat.
• Transfer green bean mixture to bowl and serve.

SEARED STEAK AND GREEN BEANS WITH HERBED BUTTER

Steps:

• For the herbed butter: Add the butter, chives, oregano, parsley, lemon zest, garlic and some salt and pepper to a bowl and mix together well.
• Put the butter in the center of a piece of plastic wrap and, using the plastic wrap, form it into a sausage shape. Seal it and pop it in the fridge for 1 hour.
• For the steak: Allow the steak to rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Fill a saucepan with some water, add a generous pinch of salt and bring to a boil. This is for cooking the string beans so it's all ready at the same time.
• Season both sides of the steak well with the chopped rosemary and some salt and pepper.
• Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking. Add the oil and allow it to heat up for 1 more minute. Add the steak to the hot skillet and cook about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove to a plate, cover with a piece of aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 5 minutes.
• For the green beans: Meanwhile, add the green beans to the salted boiling water and cook until bright green and crisp-tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain well.
• When ready to serve, toss the green beans with about 2 tablespoons of the herbed butter. Slice the steak and top with a piece of the herbed butter.

PAN FRIED GREEN BEANS

Steps:

• In a stainless steel pot over medium-high heat, combine green beans, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Cook, covered, until the beans begin to sweat. Remove lid and stir occasionally until beans are tender.
• When the beans and spices have begun to 'burn' on the bottom of the pan, which will lend a grilled flavor, stir in the olive oil and turn off heat. Cover, and let stand a few minutes. Scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate the 'burnt' spices. Beans should have a dark, caramel color, but not black.

STIR-FRIED GARLIC GREEN BEANS

Steps:

• Bring a pot of water to a boil, season with salt and add the green beans. Boil 1 minute, drain and rinse with cold water, then place on a kitchen towel to dry thoroughly. (If vegetables aren't dry when you add them to the hot wok or pan, they will splutter and braise instead of stir-frying.) Place within reach of your wok or pan.
• Combine the soy sauce and wine or sherry in a small bowl or measuring cup and place within reach of your wok or pan. Place the garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes in another small container near the burner.
• Heat a 14-inch flat-bottomed wok or a 12-inch skillet over high heat until a drop of water evaporates within a second or two when added to the pan. Swirl in the oil by adding it to the sides of the pan and swirling the pan. Add the garlic and ginger, stir-frying for no more than 10 seconds, and then add the green beans. Toss together, then add the soy sauce and sherry and stir-fry for one to two minutes, until the beans are crisp-tender. Remove from the heat and serve.

SPICY SZECHUAN GREEN BEANS

Steps:

• Combine green beans and water in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender crisp, 4 to 5 minutes. Add ginger, garlic, and sesame oil; cook, stirring frequently, until garlic is lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes together in a small bowl. Pour over beans and cook until sauce thickens enough to coat beans, 3 to 5 minutes.

DRAMATICALLY SEARED GREEN BEANS

Steps:

• Heat wok or deep skillet. When hot, add oil and swirl to coat the pan.
• Raise heat to high and wait about 30 seconds. Add the green beans and season with salt to taste. Cook 3 minutes, using tongs or shake to turn and move beans to cook them quickly and evenly. Continue to cook till desired doneness.
• Season with garlic and red pepper flakes to taste and continue to cook for another minute.
• Serve hot, warm or at room temperature.