1 lb. green beans
2 tsp. dark soy sauce
2 tsp. finely chopped garlic
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. sesame oil
2 tsp. chili paste
3 tbsp. vegetable oil
1/4 c. chicken broth
2 tbsp. toasted sesame seed

Cut green beans diagonally into 2 inch lengths. Mix soy sauce, garlic, sugar, sesame oil and chili paste. Heat wok until very hot. Add vegetable oil, tilt wok to coat side. Add green beans; stir-fry 1 minute. Add broth; cover and cook 5 minutes. Add soy sauce mixture; stir-fry until green beans are coated and moisture is evaporated. Stir in sesame seed.

Try this recipe with long beans, available in Chinese specialty stores. They resemble western green beans in flavor but are a bit crunchier; they're also over a foot long. If you can't find them, fresh green beans will be just as delicious. Serves 4.