Ingredients:

  • 1 lb fresh string beans, ends trimmed and patted dry
  • 6 cloves fresh garlic, smashed and roughly minced
  • 1.5 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp light soy sauce
  • 0.5 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 0.25 tsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil

Instructions:

  1. Prep the beans. Wash the 1 lb fresh string beans and trim the stem ends. Pat them dry with a lint free towel until no moisture remains. Note: Water causes oil splatter and prevents charring.
  2. Mix the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk 1.5 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp light soy sauce, 0.5 tsp toasted sesame oil, and 0.25 tsp granulated sugar.
  3. Heat the pan. Set your skillet over medium high heat and add 2 tbsp avocado oil. Wait 2 minutes until the oil shimmers and wisps of smoke appear.
  4. Flash sear. Carefully add the beans to the pan. Listen for a loud, aggressive sizzle.
  5. Blister the skins. Use tongs to toss the beans every 30 seconds. Cook for 5 minutes until the skins look puckered and slightly charred.
  6. Create the garlic well. Push the beans to the outer edges of the pan, leaving a clear space in the center.
  7. Sauté the aromatics. Drop the 6 cloves of minced garlic into the center. Cook for 30-45 seconds until the garlic is fragrant and pale golden.
  8. Incorporate the sauce. Pour the prepared sauce mixture directly over the garlic.
  9. The final toss. Move the beans back into the center and toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes. Cook until the sauce thickens and glazes every bean.
  10. Serve immediately. Move to a warm plate to prevent the residual heat from overcooking the beans into softness.