This Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork is a perfect combination of tender, juicy pork with crisp green beans, all coated in a delicious savory sauce. The balance of flavors from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce makes this dish satisfying without being overly rich.
It’s a quick, one-pan dish that’s not only delicious but also customizable based on what’s available in your kitchen. You can easily add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to make it even more colorful. Whether served over steamed rice or enjoyed on its own, this stir-fry is sure to become a weeknight favorite.
Full Recipe:
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1 lb pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
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2 cups green beans, trimmed
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon ginger, grated
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1/2 onion, sliced
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
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Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil.
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Once hot, add the sliced pork and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the pork from the pan and set it aside.
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In the same pan, add the garlic, ginger, and onion, and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the green beans and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
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Return the pork to the skillet and add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Stir to combine and cook for another 2 minutes.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork
Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork is a vibrant, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that packs a punch of flavor in every bite. It combines the tenderness of stir-fried pork with the crisp freshness of green beans, all cooked in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. This dish is a fantastic example of Chinese stir-fry at its best, offering a balance of textures and flavors that can be easily customized to suit various tastes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a savory dish to serve at a dinner party, this recipe will not disappoint.
The beauty of Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that feels hearty, nutritious, and satisfying. While the traditional recipe calls for pork, you can easily swap it out for chicken, beef, or even tofu, making this dish suitable for different dietary preferences. The combination of green beans with pork is not only delicious but also a nutritious pairing, as it provides a good balance of protein and fiber.
The History and Cultural Significance of Stir-Frying
Stir-frying, or “chao” in Mandarin, has been a core technique in Chinese cuisine for centuries. The method originated during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), and over time, it became one of the most popular ways to prepare food in China. Stir-frying is particularly effective because it allows ingredients to cook quickly while retaining their color, nutrients, and natural flavors. The technique involves tossing ingredients in a hot wok with a small amount of oil, which creates a perfect sear without overcooking the ingredients.
In the context of Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork, this method enhances the pork’s tenderness while ensuring that the green beans retain their crispness, giving the dish a delightful contrast in texture. The key to successful stir-frying is maintaining high heat throughout the cooking process. This allows the food to cook quickly without becoming soggy or overcooked, and the results are always full of flavor.
Chinese cuisine has long emphasized the balance of flavors—salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and umami. Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork embodies this balance beautifully, with the savory pork and the freshness of the green beans, complemented by the umami-rich sauces. These dishes are not only flavorful but also reflect the importance of balance in Chinese cooking.
Health Benefits of Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork
This dish is not only delicious but also offers a variety of health benefits. Green beans, the key vegetable in the recipe, are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, as well as vitamin A, which supports eye health. Green beans also contain a good amount of fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
Pork, the main protein in this dish, is a great source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing body tissues. It also provides important vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, all of which play a role in maintaining energy levels and supporting various bodily functions.
Additionally, the stir-fry method preserves the nutrients in both the pork and green beans, as the ingredients are cooked quickly over high heat. This makes the dish both flavorful and nutritious, offering a balanced meal in a short amount of time. For those looking to reduce their calorie intake, you can easily adjust the amount of oil used or opt for leaner cuts of pork, such as tenderloin, to make the dish even healthier.
Flavor Profile of Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork
One of the standout features of Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork is its complex and harmonious flavor profile. The pork is cooked to perfection, tender and juicy, while the green beans retain their fresh crunch. The savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce adds depth and richness to the dish, giving it a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors.
The garlic and ginger used in the stir-fry contribute aromatic notes that elevate the entire dish. Garlic adds a pungent yet savory flavor, while ginger provides a touch of warmth and spice. Together, these ingredients create a fragrant base that enhances the overall taste of the dish. The addition of sesame oil in the cooking process further enhances the flavor profile by adding a nutty aroma and a subtle richness to the sauce.
The versatility of the flavor profile allows for easy adjustments based on personal preference. For example, you can add more soy sauce for a saltier flavor, more hoisin sauce for sweetness, or a touch of chili for some heat. This adaptability makes the dish ideal for a variety of palates, whether you prefer something mild and savory or bold and spicy.
Ways to Customize Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork
While the traditional version of this recipe calls for pork and green beans, there are many ways to customize the dish to suit your taste or dietary restrictions. Below are a few suggestions for tweaking the recipe:
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Vegetarian Option: For those who don’t eat pork, you can easily swap the meat for tofu, tempeh, or even mushrooms. Tofu will absorb the sauce beautifully, and tempeh will add a nutty flavor and hearty texture. Mushrooms, particularly shiitake or cremini, can add an earthy richness to the dish.
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Different Protein Choices: If you’re not a fan of pork, try using chicken, beef, or shrimp. Chicken breast or thigh would work well in this recipe, as would thinly sliced beef or shrimp. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the protein you’re using.
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Add More Vegetables: While green beans are the star of this dish, you can easily add other vegetables to create a more colorful and nutrient-packed meal. Bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms make great additions. You can even include other leafy greens, such as spinach or bok choy, for extra vitamins and minerals.
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Spice It Up: If you love heat, add a few slices of fresh chili or a dash of chili flakes to the stir-fry. This will add a spicy kick that complements the savory, umami-rich flavors of the dish.
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Rice or Noodles: Serve the stir-fry over steamed rice or toss it with noodles for a more substantial meal. Both options will absorb the flavorful sauce and make the dish even more satisfying.
How to Serve Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork
Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Traditionally, it is enjoyed with a side of steamed white rice, which soaks up the savory sauce. However, you can also serve it with brown rice, jasmine rice, or even noodles for a different texture and flavor.
For a more complete meal, pair the stir-fry with a light soup or a fresh salad. A simple cucumber salad with a tangy dressing or a bowl of miso soup would complement the dish beautifully without overpowering the flavors.
Conclusion: Why Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork is the Perfect Quick Meal
In conclusion, Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork is a flavorful, nutritious, and versatile dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. It combines the savory richness of pork with the fresh crunch of green beans, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this stir-fry is the perfect option.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—few ingredients are needed to create something truly delicious. Plus, it’s highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the flavors to your liking or accommodate dietary restrictions. With its healthy ingredients, quick cooking time, and irresistible flavor, Stir-Fried Green Beans with Pork is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this dish offers a great way to explore Chinese stir-fry while enjoying a tasty, nutritious meal. So why not give it a try next time you need something quick, flavorful, and satisfying? Your taste buds will thank you.