Our garden is currently producing a large quantity of green beans.
My brother likes to stir fry so I suggested that he cook some of
them in a stir fry. He does not want to because he is afraid that
they would not get fully cooked or that he could not tell when they
were fully cooked.

What is the easiest way for him to get green beans fully cooked in
the wok without over cooking them? Thank you in advance for all
replies.
--
My cat really loves me. When it is cold at night he lies right
up against me in the bed to help keep me warm.

Daniel Prince wrote:
> Our garden is currently producing a large quantity of green beans.
> My brother likes to stir fry so I suggested that he cook some of
> them in a stir fry. He does not want to because he is afraid that
> they would not get fully cooked or that he could not tell when they
> were fully cooked.
>
> What is the easiest way for him to get green beans fully cooked in
> the wok without over cooking them?

Taste.

"Daniel Prince" > wrote in message
news
> Our garden is currently producing a large quantity of green beans.
> My brother likes to stir fry so I suggested that he cook some of
> them in a stir fry. He does not want to because he is afraid that
> they would not get fully cooked or that he could not tell when they
> were fully cooked.

Your wording (especially the use of the word "afraid") suggests a belief
that green beans need to be cooked in order to be safe to eat. They do not.
They can be eaten right off the plant, raw, assuming some knucklehead hasn't
hosed them down with chemicals.

Cook them until you like the taste and texture.

"Daniel Prince" > wrote in message
news
> Our garden is currently producing a large quantity of green beans.
> My brother likes to stir fry so I suggested that he cook some of
> them in a stir fry. He does not want to because he is afraid that
> they would not get fully cooked or that he could not tell when they
> were fully cooked.
>
> What is the easiest way for him to get green beans fully cooked in
> the wok without over cooking them? Thank you in advance for all
> replies.
> --
> My cat really loves me. When it is cold at night he lies right
> up against me in the bed to help keep me warm.

Green beans are fully cooked as soon as they are heated through. They don't
need to be cooked any longer than that, and in fact, can be eaten raw. The
only reason to cook longer is if you (or he) prefers a softer texture.
Personally, I like them crisp-tender, especially in a stir fry. The best
test: Taste one.

kimberly

yes, personal taste is the best gauge of whether or not they are done.
If you like your beans tender, just test them with a fork.

Of course, if you want to really "stir-fry" and not stew them, you
should blanch them first. Just bring a large pot of salted water to a
boil, then add the cleaned beans. Return to a boil, then drain and
rinse with cool water. The blanching will shorten your stir-fry
process, thus keeping your ingredients fresher and "brighter," not
overcooked. Have fun.

Daniel Prince wrote:
[snip]
> What is the easiest way for him to get green beans fully cooked in
> the wok without over cooking them?

Rinse the beans and drain. Heat wok over high flame. Add small amount
of oil (not olive), say 1 TB per 1/2 lb. beans, and a smashed clove of
garlic. When garlic begins to brown, add beans and stir until all are
coated with oil. Season with salt and stir again. After about 2
minutes, add a little water or chicken broth, say 1/4 cup per 1/2 lb.
beans, cover, lower heat and simmer until done to your liking. Test
one after about 3 minutes.

Many flavoring and stirfry combinations possible, but that's another
question. -aem

Daniel Prince > wrote:

>Our garden is currently producing a large quantity of green beans.
>My brother likes to stir fry so I suggested that he cook some of
>them in a stir fry. He does not want to because he is afraid that
>they would not get fully cooked or that he could not tell when they
>were fully cooked.
>
>What is the easiest way for him to get green beans fully cooked in
>the wok without over cooking them? Thank you in advance for all
>replies.
>--
>My cat really loves me. When it is cold at night he lies right
>up against me in the bed to help keep me warm.
Bite into one. If you like it, it's done - if not, cook longer and
taste again. Sort of like getting pasta to the stage you like it. No
one but you can tell you if it's cooked the way you want it.

--
The Doc says my brain waves closely match those of a crazed ferret.
At least now I have an excuse.

In article >,
Daniel Prince > wrote:

> Our garden is currently producing a large quantity of green beans.
> My brother likes to stir fry so I suggested that he cook some of
> them in a stir fry. He does not want to because he is afraid that
> they would not get fully cooked or that he could not tell when they
> were fully cooked.
>
> What is the easiest way for him to get green beans fully cooked in
> the wok without over cooking them? Thank you in advance for all
> replies.

Just stir fry the string beans for a few minutes. When the beans start
to wilt slightly, they're done. How long to cook them is a matter of
personal taste. I prefer stir fried beans to be fairly well cooked, not
crunchy, but others prefer a crunchy texture. Taste them and see for
yourself. Even if the string beans are raw, you won't get sick if you
taste them.