Easy Microwave Szechuan Green Beans

Fabulous easy version of the classic, low fat, low sodium version. This is from Barbara Kafka's cookbook, "Microwave Gourmet," with only very minor changes. If you don't own this book, I recommend it highly! My copy is about 20 years old, and was one of the first cookbooks I bought as a grown-up.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  lb green beans, tipped and tailed
• 6  garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
• 2  scallions, trimmed and cut into 2-inch lengths
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1  tablespoon  vegetable oil
• 1  teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1  tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
• 1  tablespoon  rice wine vinegar

Directions

1. Finely chop garlic, ginger and scallions together. Place in 14” x 11” x 2” dish, cover with vegetable oil. Cook on high for 3 minutes.
2. Removed dish from microwave oven, stir in soy sauce and rice wine vinegar.
3. Add green beans, stirring to distribute sauce.
4. Cook, uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring 3-4 times during cooking.
5. Serve hot or cold. Can be made ahead and reheated for serving.