Spicy Crusted Green Beans

Combine the flour, paprika, cayenne, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl and mix well. Set aside.

Whisk the eggs in another large bowl and set aside.

Put the panko breadcrumbs in another large bowl and set aside.

Cut off the ends of the green beans, rinse off the beans and pat dry. Toss the beans in the flour mixture to coat. Remove them to a plate, and combine the remaining flour mixture with the panko crumbs.

Dredge the beans in the eggs, and then coat them with the panko/flour mixture. Remove to a plate, and continue to coat all of the beans.

When you’re ready to fry, heat 1/2 inch of canola oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When a bit of flour sizzles in the pan, the oil is hot enough. Fry the beans in a single layer (don’t crowd the pan—fry them in batches if needed), turning to brown evenly (this takes only a few minutes). When done, remove them to a paper towel lined plate. Sprinkle with salt. Repeat with the rest of the beans if frying in batches.

Serve with your preferred dipping sauce. I made one of equal parts chili sauce and sweet and sour sauce. Or serve plain (they’re that good!)