This Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork is a perfect harmony of tender-crisp green beans and savory, juicy pork, all tossed in a rich and flavorful sauce. The slight char on the green beans adds a delightful smoky note that pairs wonderfully with the umami-rich pork. A quick and satisfying dish, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep and a simple cooking process, it delivers maximum flavor that will please everyone at the table. Serve it over steamed rice for a complete and comforting meal.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 300g (10 oz) green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch lengths
- 200g (7 oz) ground pork
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
Directions:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the green beans and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly charred and tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the ground pork and cook for 2–3 minutes, breaking it apart until browned and cooked through.
- Add garlic and ginger to the pork and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Mix well.
- Return the green beans to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pork and beans evenly.
- Sprinkle with green onions before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Discover the Magic of Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork
If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick, flavorful, and nutrient-packed, look no further than Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork. This classic Asian-inspired recipe combines tender-crisp green beans and savory, well-seasoned ground pork in a rich, umami sauce. The result? A balanced, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
The Origins and Popularity of Stir-Fry
Stir-frying is a traditional cooking technique that originated in China over 2,000 years ago. The method uses high heat to cook food quickly, preserving its nutrients, flavors, and textures. The Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork recipe exemplifies this technique beautifully, showcasing how simple ingredients can transform into a dish bursting with flavor.
This particular combination of green beans and pork is a staple in many Asian households, valued for its simplicity and versatility. The dish has gained global popularity for its ability to be customized with various proteins, vegetables, and seasonings.
Why Choose Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork?
- Quick and Easy Preparation
With a prep time of only 10 minutes and a cooking time of another 10, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy individuals. Whether you’re a parent juggling work and family or a student pressed for time, this dish can be on the table in under 30 minutes. - Nutritional Benefits
- Green Beans: These vibrant green vegetables are a powerhouse of nutrients. They’re rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium. Green beans are also low in calories, making them an excellent choice for maintaining a healthy diet.
- Pork: Lean ground pork is a good source of protein, providing the body with essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and growth. It’s also rich in B vitamins and zinc, which support overall health and immunity.
- Flavor Explosion
The dish balances multiple flavors—savory, slightly sweet, and umami. The addition of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and oyster sauce brings depth to the dish, while sesame oil adds a nutty aroma that enhances its appeal. - Versatility
This recipe is easily customizable. If you’re not a fan of pork, you can substitute it with chicken, beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. You can also mix in additional vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots to add more color and texture. - Perfect for Meal Prep
Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork stores well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prepping. Prepare a batch on Sunday and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
How to Make It Your Own
While the original recipe is a star on its own, you can tweak it to suit your preferences:
- Add Spice: If you love a bit of heat, toss in some chili flakes or sliced red chilies.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce.
- Go Keto-Friendly: Skip the cornstarch slurry and serve the dish as-is or over cauliflower rice.
- Experiment with Toppings: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for extra crunch.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out
- Restaurant-Quality at Home
The flavors in this dish rival anything you’d get from your favorite takeout spot. The high heat cooking method mimics the wok hei (breath of the wok) effect, delivering a smoky, charred flavor that elevates the dish to restaurant standards. - Family-Friendly
This recipe appeals to all ages. Kids will love the savory-sweet taste of the sauce, while adults will appreciate its balanced flavors and nutritional profile. It’s a win-win for family dinners. - Budget-Friendly
Green beans and ground pork are relatively inexpensive ingredients. Combined with pantry staples like soy sauce and garlic, this dish proves that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal.
Tips for the Perfect Stir-Fry
- Prep Ingredients First: Stir-frying happens quickly, so it’s essential to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
- Use High Heat: High heat ensures that the ingredients cook quickly and retain their crisp texture and vibrant color.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches ensures even cooking and prevents steaming.
- Toss, Don’t Stir: Tossing the ingredients in the wok helps distribute heat and sauce evenly without breaking up the vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:
- Rice: Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a hearty, complete meal.
- Noodles: Toss it with cooked noodles for a delicious stir-fried noodle dish.
- Side Dish: Serve it as a side with other Asian-inspired dishes like egg rolls, dumplings, or fried rice.
Pairing Recommendations
For a balanced meal, pair this dish with:
- Appetizer: Hot and sour soup or spring rolls.
- Drink: Green tea, jasmine tea, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
- Dessert: Fresh fruit, mango sticky rice, or green tea ice cream.
Conclusion
This Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients and straightforward techniques can create extraordinary results. It’s a dish that fits seamlessly into any lifestyle, offering a blend of nutrition, flavor, and convenience. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe is foolproof. The combination of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a quick cooking process ensures it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
