Pork Stir Fry Green Beans: Delicious & Easy Recipe

Pork Stir Fry Green Beans: Craving a quick, healthy, and utterly delicious weeknight meal? Look no further! Imagine tender strips of savory pork, perfectly crisp-tender green beans, all coated in a flavorful, umami-rich sauce. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a culinary adventure that’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Stir-fries, a cornerstone of Asian cuisine, have a rich history dating back centuries. The technique of quickly cooking ingredients in a wok over high heat originated in China and has since spread across the globe, adapting to local flavors and ingredients. This particular combination of pork and green beans is a testament to the versatility of stir-frying, offering a balanced and satisfying meal.

What makes pork stir fry green beans so irresistible? It’s the symphony of textures and tastes. The slight sweetness of the pork complements the fresh, grassy notes of the green beans. The stir-fry sauce, a blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, ties everything together, creating a harmonious and addictive flavor profile. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience a burst of flavor with every bite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Pork:
• 1 pound pork tenderloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• For the Green Beans:
• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional, but recommended)
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For Serving:
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Pork:

Okay, let’s get started with the pork. This marinade is key to getting that tender, flavorful pork we’re looking for in our stir-fry. Don’t skip it!

1. In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced pork with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry), sesame oil, ground ginger, and white pepper.
2. Mix well, ensuring that all the pork slices are coated evenly with the marinade.
3. Let the pork marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become. I usually aim for the full 30 minutes if I have the time.

Preparing the Green Beans:

While the pork is marinating, we can get the green beans ready. Fresh green beans are the best for this recipe, but you can use frozen in a pinch. Just make sure they are thawed and patted dry before stir-frying.

1. Wash and trim the green beans. You can snap them in half if they are particularly long, but I usually leave them whole.
2. Set the green beans aside.
3. In a small bowl, prepare the sauce by combining the chicken broth (or water), soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk together until the sugar is dissolved. This ensures everything is ready to go when we start stir-frying.

Stir-Frying the Green Beans:

Now, let’s cook those green beans! We want them to be tender-crisp, not mushy, so we’ll stir-fry them quickly over high heat.

1. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Make sure it’s nice and hot before adding the oil.
2. Add the vegetable oil to the wok or skillet.
3. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 15-20 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add the green beans to the wok or skillet and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until they are bright green and slightly tender. Keep them moving to ensure even cooking.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the green beans and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the green beans are coated.
6. Remove the green beans from the wok or skillet and set aside.

Stir-Frying the Pork:

Time to cook the pork! We want to sear it quickly to lock in the juices and keep it tender.

1. Return the wok or large skillet to high heat.
2. Add a little more vegetable oil if needed.
3. Add the marinated pork to the hot wok or skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until it is cooked through and lightly browned. Be careful not to overcrowd the wok, as this will lower the temperature and steam the pork instead of searing it. If necessary, cook the pork in batches.
4. Once the pork is cooked, return the green beans to the wok or skillet.

Combining and Serving:

Almost there! Now we just need to combine everything and serve it up.

1. Stir-fry the pork and green beans together for another minute or two, until everything is heated through and well combined.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little more soy sauce or salt and pepper to taste.
3. Serve the pork stir-fry with green beans over cooked rice.
4. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Slice the pork thinly: This is crucial for tender pork. Slicing against the grain helps to shorten the muscle fibers, making the pork easier to chew.
• Don’t overcrowd the wok: Overcrowding will lower the temperature and steam the ingredients instead of stir-frying them. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Use high heat: Stir-frying is all about cooking quickly over high heat. This helps to sear the ingredients and lock in the flavors.
• Prepare everything in advance: This will make the stir-frying process much smoother and more efficient. Have all of your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go before you start cooking.
• Adjust the seasoning to your liking: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sauces and spices to create a flavor profile that you enjoy.

Variations:

• Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your stir-fry, such as bell peppers, onions, carrots, or mushrooms.
• Use different proteins: You can substitute the pork with chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the pork and oyster sauce and add more vegetables or tofu.
• Add nuts: Sprinkle some chopped peanuts or cashews over the stir-fry for added crunch and flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil for extra heat.

Enjoy your delicious and easy pork stir-fry with green beans! I hope you love it as much as I do. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This pork stir fry with green beans is more than just a quick weeknight meal; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a little excitement to their dinner routine. The tender pork, the crisp-tender green beans, and that savory-sweet sauce – it all comes together in perfect harmony. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks.

But why is this recipe so special? It’s the balance, really. The pork provides a hearty protein base, while the green beans offer a refreshing crunch and a healthy dose of vitamins. The sauce, oh, the sauce! It’s the star of the show, bringing together all the elements with its umami-rich depth and subtle sweetness. It’s not just about throwing ingredients into a pan; it’s about creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions. I personally love serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice, which soaks up all that delicious sauce. But you could also try it with brown rice for a healthier option, or even quinoa for a protein-packed meal. For a low-carb alternative, serve it over cauliflower rice or enjoy it as is.

Looking for variations? Go wild! Add some sliced bell peppers for extra color and sweetness. A handful of chopped peanuts or cashews will add a delightful crunch. If you like a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha. You could even substitute the pork with chicken, beef, or tofu, depending on your preference. The possibilities are endless!

This pork stir fry with green beans is also a fantastic meal prep option. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week for lunch or dinner. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as good, if not better, the next day. Store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days.

I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, familiar yet unique. It’s the kind of meal that you’ll want to make again and again, and share with your friends and family.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your wok, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And please, please, please, don’t forget to come back and let me know how it turned out. I’m dying to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your culinary creations! Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious pork stir fry with green beans! I hope this becomes a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.