Blistered Sesame Garlic Green Beans

Steps

1. 1

   Stir the soy sauce, sugar and water together in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves.

2. 2

   Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until it shimmers. Add the green beans in a single layer and cook, tossing only about once a minute, until they are blistered and charred in spots and crisp-tender, 6 to 7 minutes.

3. 3

   Reduce the heat to medium. Push the beans to the side, add the garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes (if using) to the cleared space and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

4. 4

   Pour in the soy mixture and toss until it cooks down to a glaze that clings to the beans, about 1 minute.

5. 5

   Take the pan off the heat, drizzle with the sesame oil, sprinkle with the sesame seeds and serve hot.