Lazy Girl Dinner of the Week

One of my favorite menu items at pretty much any Chinese restaurant is “spicy string beans”. They’re a little bit sweet, a little bit salty and have the potential to make my nose run if they’re made how I like them. Normally I like to eat them when I’m at my local Chinese place or from takeout containers while sitting on my couch watching Scandal (that show is such a guilty pleasure…so good!). BUT in the interest of healthy eating and trying to save a few bucks I started making them at home, and I have to say they’re not bad. Plus it’s a super quick meal to make….always a plus.

Spice String Beans with Chicken and Brown Rice
Servings: 2-3
WWPointsPlus: 6 (when served with chicken and 1/2 cup brown rice)

Ingredients:

• 1 12oz bag fresh or frozen string beans
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (I usually add a bit more for some extra heat)
• dash of sesame oil (optional)
• chicken breast sliced into small pieces (optional)
• brown rice (I buy mine frozen….so quick and easy!)

Directions:

1. Add about a 1/2 tsp of sesame oil or other oil of your choice to a pan or wok and heat on medium for 1-2 minutes.
2. Cook your chicken breast until fully done and remove from pan.
3. If necessary add a little more oil to your pan then add green beans and stir for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar and red pepper flakes to the pan and toss to coat your beans.
5. Continue cooking another 3-5 minutes until beans are tender.
6. Return chicken to the pan to heat. If you are using frozen brown rice go ahead and throw that in too. No sense using another dish!

Serve piping hot in a bowl. If you’re like me and sometimes eat too quickly get some chop sticks….those will slow you down and make it feel more like takeout!