Suan Rong Jiang Dou (Garlic-Fried Green Beans)

Taken from Ji Pin Su Shi (Best Vegetable Dishes), a 30-cent, 5-in-square, paperback cookbook from Wal-Mart in China. Simple, home-style Chinese fare. Chinese cooks are expected to determine the proportions of condiments and seasonings. Everything is "ge shi liang"--to taste. I've suggested amounts, but if they don't seem right, just trust your own tastebuds. China has several varieties of green beans, and they go by different names in different parts of China. I think 'jiang dou' may refer to the yard-long beans, but any variety should taste good in this recipe. The amount of garlic listed strikes me as over the top. Try it if you dare. I'll be using less.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 200  g green beans
• 50  g  minced garlic (about 1/3 cup)
• 4  tablespoons  vegetable oil (to taste)
• 2  teaspoons sugar (to taste)
• 2  teaspoons soy sauce (to taste)
• 2  teaspoons black vinegar (to taste)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon msg (to taste)

Directions

1. Wash beans, cut into 3-cm segments, boil until crisp-tender, and drain.
2. Over highest heat, heat empty wok, add oil and swirl to heat. Add part of the garlic and stir a moment until fragrant but not burned. Add green beans and stir-fry.
3. Add sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, salt, and MSG, tossing after each addition. Add remaining garlic, toss.
4. Transfer to serving platter, and serve as part of a Chinese meal: rice, soup, and a balanced variety of dishes--one per person.