Creating Chinese Garlic Green Beans is straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these simple steps for a delicious result:

1. Prepare the Green Beans: Rinse and trim the ends of the green beans to ensure they are clean and ready to cook.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Sauté the Beans: Add the green beans to the pan and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
4. Incorporate Garlic: Push the beans to one side of the pan, then add the minced garlic to the empty space, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Combine Ingredients: Stir the garlic into the beans, letting the flavors meld for about 1 minute.
6. Add Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil: Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the beans. If desired, sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
7. Season: Toss everything together while seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and top the beans with toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
9. Serve Immediately: Transfer the beans to a serving dish while they are hot. Enjoy!

These straightforward steps ensure that anyone can create a delicious and satisfying side dish in no time.