Preparation Preparing the ingredients:Wash the green beans, drain thoroughly, and trim the tops and bottoms.Cut the green beans on the diagonal into slices approximately 2 inches long.Chop the garlic, ginger and scallions. Dry-Frying:Heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add the green beans and stir-fry until they start to shrivel or "pucker" and turn brown (6 to 7 minutes for longbeans). Remove the green beans from the wok and drain in a colander. Cooking the aromatics:Heat 1 tablespoon oil in the wok on high heat. Add the garlic, ginger and scallions. Stir-fry for a few seconds, then add the chili paste and stir-fry for a few more seconds until aromatic. Assembling:Add the green beans and the dark soy sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper if using. Stir everything together, and taste and adjust the seasoning if desired. Serve hot.