Green Beans With Sesame & Garlic

1 lb green beans, ends trimmed
1 Tbs peanut oil
3 large cloves garlic, each cut lengthwise into 4 slices
1 Tbs sesame seeds
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dark sesame oil
1 tsp tamari or soy sauce

1) Bring large pot of water to a boil.  Fill large bowl with ice water.  Boil beans for 4 minutes.  Using slotted spoon, immediately transfer beans to ice water.  Drain and dry beans.  This can be done up to 8 hours ahead; refrigerated beans until ready to use.
2) In wok or large, heavy skillet, heat peanut oil over high heat.  Add garlic and cook, stirring often, until golden, about 1 minute.  Transfer to small plate lined with paper towels to drain.  Set aside.
3) Add beans, sesame seeds and salt to wok.  Stir-fry, pressing beans against sides until charred in a few place, 2 to 3 minutes.  Transfer beans to serving bowl.
4) Add sesame oil, tamari or soy sauce and reserved garlic to pan.  Stir-fry until heated through, then add to beans and toss to combine.  Season to taste with freshly ground black pepper.  Serve hot or at room temperature.

Review:  I served this over some cooked bulgur, to make it a meal.  I used frozen greens beans and basically skipped step one.  Therefore, I couldn't get my beans to char.  No biggie, the beans were still pretty yummy.  I can imagine this would be really awesome with haricots verts instead.