Thai Peanut Green Beans

Ingredients

• Green Beans1 lb
• Garlic, minced2 cloves
• Crunchy Peanut Butter2 tbsp
• Fish Sauce1 tbsp
• Soy Sauceto taste
• Brown Sugar1 tsp
• Vinegar (rice or white wine)dash
• Toasted Sesame Seedsto finish
• Salt (for blanching water)generous
• Neutral Oil1 tbsp

Method

1. Blanch the beans. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanch for 2 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain and transfer immediately to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Drain again and set aside.
2. Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a dash of vinegar until smooth. Taste — it should be salty, nutty, and slightly tangy. Adjust with more soy or sugar as needed.
3. Sauté the garlic. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant but not brown.
4. Add the beans. Add the blanched green beans and toss to coat in the garlic oil. Sauté for 1–2 minutes to warm through and get a little colour.
5. Add the sauce. Pour the peanut sauce over the beans and toss quickly to coat everything evenly. Remove from heat — don't over-cook or the sauce will seize.
6. Serve. Transfer to a plate and sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds.