Start by washing the green beans thoroughly and trimming the ends. Then, thinly slice the shallots and mince the garlic cloves. Having everything prepped in advance makes the cooking process much smoother.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Allow it to warm up until it shimmers or melts, depending on your choice of fat.
Add the sliced shallots to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and start to caramelize. You want them to develop a beautiful golden-brown color.
Once the shallots are caramelized, add the minced garlic. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Next, add the trimmed green beans to the skillet. Stir well to combine them with the shallots and garlic. Then, pour in the low sodium soy sauce and water.
Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. Cover the skillet and let the green beans simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of tenderness.
Once the green beans are cooked to your liking, give everything a final stir and taste. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm.
