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Start Here: About Don't Need Much Money

Don't Need Much Money is exactly what it sounds like: a site about needing less, so you have more. More time. More freedom. More room to actually live. The idea is simple. The less money you need to survive, the more time you have to thrive. Lower your living costs, live a healthy lifestyle focused on longevity and mobility, stay out of debt, and build a little savings, and you buy yourself something far more valuable than money: time. Time to do what you actually love, spend with people you care about, and put toward things that matter. This site is my own real life running that experiment. Most of what you'll find here are recipes and day-to-day habits. They aren't filler posts, it's intentional. Cooking from scratch, buying smart, wasting less, eating well, and staying healhty, fit, and limber all without spending much are some of the most direct ways I practice this philosophy day to day. This blog doubles as my own recipe box and exercise notes, and I share it b...

"Orange Chicken" Green Beans

I am a big fan of Panda Express Orange Chicken. It is so decadent and delicious yet so reasonably priced. I do occasionally treat myself to it but am always looking for a healthier and easier homemade version. In this recipe, I started with a Panda Express Orange Chicken copycat recipe but substituted the chicken for green beans which accomplishes making it both healthier and easier. If you have the ingredients on hand, this dish can be whipped up in 10 minutes or less, but satisfies that craving for something rich and delicious.

Ingredients
  • 1 pound fresh green beans
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 2 cloves minced garlic or 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/8 tsp chili flakes
  • 1/4 tsp ginger powder
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp orange juice
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp corn starch
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
Directions
  • Remove the stems from the green beans and trim to one inch lengths.
  • Wash beans and place in frying pan with 1 tbsp water. Cover and cook on medium high for 3-5 minutes until tender.
  • Remove the beans from the pan, then add the oil and heat over medium.
  • Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add chili flakes and ginger and cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Add sugar and orange juice and stir until sugar is dissolved, then add vinegar and soy sauce.
  • In separate bowl, combine 1 tbsp corn starch and 1 tbsp water until smooth. Add to pan and cook 1-2 minutes until thickened.
  • Add back green beans and coat in sauce, then serve.

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