Asian-Style Stir Fried Green Beans

I love green beans. They're one of the most versatile vegetables. You can roast, saute, steam or stir fry them and they can take on flavors so easily.

This recipe is perfectly balanced with just enough salt and a little heat. It is the perfect side dish that complements everything from fish to poultry.

Asian-Style Stir Fried Green Beans

Ingredients:

1 bag frozen green beans, thawed and drained (Obviously, fresh would be better. But if you’re short on time, the frozen stuff is great.)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tbsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
2 tbsp brown sugar
 1/2 tbsp sesame oil

DirectionsIn a large bowl, mix soy sauce, 1/2 tbsp garlic, pepper flakes, and brown sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved and mixture is uniform.

Add drained/dried green beans, and toss to coat in sauce

Heat sesame oil in a pan/wok on medium-high heat. When tiny bubbles start to form in the oil, add remaining minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Pour green beans/sauce into the heated, oiled pan. Using a spatula, spread green beans out in a more or less even layer in the pan. Cover, and let cook for about 3-5 minutes.

Stir/toss green beans to avoid burning, then cover and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until your green beans get soft and you start seeing browned bits at the tips.

Enjoy immediately.

Zucchini Pancakes

What do do with all that zucchini you have in the refrigerator this summer? How 'bout whipping up these zucchini pancakes? They make the perfect side dish or a satisfying main course. Besides, they're perfect for Meatless Mondays.

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• Zucchini Pancakes
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• Ingredients
• 2 medium zucchini (about 3/4 pound)
• 1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
  1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Unsalted butter and oil oil
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  Directions
  Grate the zucchini into a bowl using the large grating side of a box grater. Immediately stir in the minced garlic and egg. Stir in flour, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, red chili pepper flakes and pepper. 

Heat a large (10 to 12-inch) saute pan over medium heat and melt 1/2 tablespoon butter and 1/2 tablespoon oil together in the pan. When the butter is hot but not smoking, lower the heat to medium-low and drop heaping soup spoons of batter into the pan. Cook the pancakes about 2-4 minutes on each side, until browned. Serve hot.