Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, and water until the cornstarch is dissolved.
5. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the green beans in the skillet and stir to coat.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the green beans are fully coated.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 13g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- White vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used instead of rice vinegar.
- Honey or maple syrup can be used instead of brown sugar.
- Tamari or liquid aminos can be used instead of soy sauce.
- Arrowroot powder can be used instead of cornstarch.
Variations:
- Add sliced bell peppers or onions to the skillet for additional flavor and texture.
- Use other vegetables such as broccoli or snap peas instead of green beans.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to trim the ends of the green beans before cooking.
- Stir-fry the green beans quickly to retain their crunchiness.
- Whisk the sweet and sour sauce thoroughly to avoid lumps.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the green beans in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the green beans on a platter or in a bowl.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or sliced green onions.
Pairings:
- Serve the green beans with steamed rice or quinoa.
- Pair with grilled chicken or fish.
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed rice
- Quinoa
- Grilled chicken or fish
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more water to thin it out.
- If the green beans are too tough, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before stir-frying.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the green beans thoroughly before cooking.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
- Sweet and sour dishes originated in China and have since spread to other parts of the world.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, sour, and garlicky.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the green beans as a side dish or as a main dish with rice or quinoa.
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