Eating long beans to symbolize a long life is a hallmark of Chinese New Year.
These beans can be found in well-stocked grocers and most Asian markets. They often go by other names, including asparagus beans, yard-long beans and snake beans. But whatever you call them, they basically look like really long green beans.
Since this new year is the year of the dragon, more specifically the water dragon, we decided to serve our longevity dish with the dragon of the sea, lobster. If lobster isn’t available (or in the budget), shrimp is another good choice. Buy the smallest, sweetest shrimp you can find.
Dragon beans
1tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
1/2teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
2cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2pounds Chinese long beans
1/2cup water
1/4cup oyster sauce
1tablespoon soy sauce
1tablespoon toasted sesame oil
Splash of Sriracha sauce
7ounces cooked lobster meat, chopped
1tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
In a wok or deep skillet over medium-high, heat the vegetable oil. Add the peppercorns, five-spice powder and garlic. Heat, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds.
Add the beans and toss to coat. Add the water, oyster sauce, and soy sauce and cover. Allow the beans to steam for 5 minutes, or until just tender. Add the sesame oil, Sriracha, lobster meat and sesame seeds. Toss together and cook until just heated through. Serve immediately.
Makes 8 servings. Per serving: 430 calories; 45 calories from fat (13 percent of total calories); 5 g fat (1 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 20 mg cholesterol; 55 g carbohydrate; 26 g protein; 10 g fiber; 530 mg sodium.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
