garlic and cowpea recipe

How to Make Garlic Stir-Fried Beans: A Complete Guide

Garlic stir-fried beans, or "蒜泥豇豆" in Chinese, is a simple yet flavorful dish loved for its crisp-tender texture and aromatic garlic kick. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering this classic.

Ingredients: 300g fresh beans, 4-5 garlic cloves, 1 tbsp cooking oil, 1 tsp soy sauce, ½ tsp sugar, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of chili flakes (optional).

Steps:

1. Prep the beans: Trim the ends of the beans, snap them into 3-4 inch pieces, and wash thoroughly. Blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green but still crisp. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

2. Make the garlic sauce: Mince the garlic finely. Heat oil in a wok over medium-low heat. Sauté the garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds), being careful not to burn it.

3. St-fry: Add the blanched beans to the wok. Increase heat to high, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Drizzle in soy sauce, sprinkle sugar and salt, and toss well. For extra heat, add chili flakes.

4. Finish: Cook for another 30 seconds until the beans are heated through and coated in the garlic sauce. Serve hot, garnished with a few extra garlic cloves if desired.

Tips: For a nutty twist, add a teaspoon of sesame oil before serving. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or as a side for grilled meats. Enjoy the perfect balance of garlic, umami, and fresh crunch!

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