Are Chinese buffets still a big thing?  I haven’t been to one in many years, but for a while when I was younger my family and I would go often.  It was just easier because everyone could get what they wanted and it was good for my notoriously picky sister because there were always a few things like pizza and chicken nuggets.  Which of course are Chinese.  

One of my favorite things at the buffet were the green beans.  They were crispy, crunchy, green, sweet, and salty.  They had those huge granules of salt and garlic and they balanced so well with the other flavors.  I would always get numerous helpings and could have easily made a meal of them.

Of course, they were probably SUPER high in sodium and flavorings that might not have been the best but when compared to the other offerings at the buffet (I’m looking at you General Tso’s chicken and crab rangoon) they were a pretty good choice.  The other day I had a hankering for those green beans and decided to make my own healthier version and I’m pleased to say I think I got pretty close!

Fresh green beans are making their way back into grocery stores so you should be able to find them pretty easily.  But if you can’t don’t worry, you can use frozen green beans too.  Give these green beans a try at your next meal and I guarantee your family will polish them off.  At least, my husband did….

Asian-Style Green Beans

• 2 cups fresh green beans, ends trimmed (if using frozen make sure to thaw them first)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp dried onion flakes
• 1 tsp powdered ginger
• 1 to 2 tsp coarse sea salt (if you don’t have coarse that’s fine just adjust the amount so it’s not too salty)
• 2 tbsp coconut aminos (you can use soy sauce or liquid aminos too)

1. Heat a little oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat.  Add the minced garlic and swirl everything around the pan a few times.
2. Add the green beans to the pan and then add the onion flakes, ginger, and salt.  Stir so everything is mixed together.  Saute for 5 minutes.
3. Pour the coconut aminos over the green beans, stir everything together, and cover.  Lower the heat to low and cook for another 2 minutes.