Blistered Green Beans with XO Sauce

Green beans topped with a savory sauce.

Blistered Green Beans with XO Sauce
Photo: © Alanna Hale
Total Time:
1 hrs 15 mins
Yield:
4 (Makes 1 1/2 cups sauce)

Pim Techamuanvivit makes her own version of the Hong Kong-style condiment XO sauce. The briny, funky flavors transform green beans.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup small dried shrimp (see Note)

  • 1/3 cup dried scallops (see Note)

  • 2 cups boiling water

  • 1/4 cup diced country ham or prosciutto (1/2 ounce)

  • 8 garlic cloves

  • 1 medium shallot, coarsely chopped

  • One 1/2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

  • 1 1/4 cups rice bran, grapeseed or canola oil

  • 1 pound green beans

  • Salt

  • Black pepper

  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, cover the dried shrimp and scallops with the boiling water and let stand until softened, about 15 minutes. Drain well.

  2. In a mini food processor, combine the shrimp, scallops and ham with the garlic, shallot, ginger, soy sauce, crushed red pepper and sugar. Pulse until minced. Scrape the mixture into a small saucepan and stir in 1 cup of the oil. Bring to a boil over moderately high heat; reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the solids are dark golden and fragrant, about 30 minutes. Remove the XO sauce from the heat and let cool to room temperature.

  3. Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat for 5 minutes. Drizzle in the remaining 1/4 cup of oil, add the green beans and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, tossing every 30 seconds; the beans are done when they're tender and blistered in spots. Drain off the oil. Stir in 1/4 cup of the XO sauce; toss until the beans are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a platter. Serve with lemon wedges.

Make Ahead

The XO sauce can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Dried shrimp and dried scallops are both available at Asian markets.

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