If you’re craving a home-cooked meal bursting with flavor and a satisfying crunch, this Pork Stir Fry with Green Beans Recipe is an absolute winner. It brings together tender pork mince and vibrant green beans, all cooked in a savory sauce that hits just the right balance between sweet, spicy, and umami. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is as delightful to make as it is to eat, offering a fabulous way to enjoy fresh vegetables and protein in one colorful, tasty skillet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pork Stir Fry with Green Beans Recipe is in its straightforward, fresh ingredients that each play a vital role in texture and flavor. From the crispy green beans to the fragrant garlic and ginger aromatics, every component brings the dish to life, making it irresistibly delicious.
- 300g / 10oz green beans: Choose fresh, crisp beans for that perfect tender-crisp bite.
- 220g / 7 oz pork mince: Lean pork mince offers a lovely texture and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup): Adds a gently sweet base flavor when sautéed.
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped: Essential for aroma and a slight pungent kick.
- 2 tsp ginger, finely chopped: Brings a sharp, warming note that complements the pork perfectly.
- 2 1/2 tbsp peanut oil: Perfect for stir frying thanks to its high smoke point and subtle flavor.
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce: Adds deep umami and a rich color to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (shaoxing wine): Infuses the dish with authentic flavor; dry sherry works well as a substitute.
- 1 tsp white sugar: Balances the salty and spicy elements with a gentle sweetness.
- 1 1/2 tsp chilli garlic sauce: Provides both heat and a garlicky punch, adjusting to your taste.
- Rice of choice: A simple and comforting bed for your stir fry.
- Sliced red chilli: Optional garnish that adds a fresh pop of color and mild heat.
How to Make Pork Stir Fry with Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
First things first, mix the dark soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, white sugar, and chilli garlic sauce together in a bowl. This is the magic blend that will coat your pork mince and green beans, giving the stir fry its signature savory and spicy character.
Step 2: Prep the Green Beans
Trim off the stem ends from the green beans, then chop them into roughly 2 to 2.5 cm pieces. Keeping the beans bite-sized ensures they char beautifully and cook evenly during the stir fry.
Step 3: Char the Green Beans
Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a heavy-based skillet or cast iron pan over high heat until it just starts to smoke. Add the green beans, spreading them out in a single layer so they can char nicely. Resist stirring too often—leave them to cook for 1 minute, then stir quickly before letting them sit again for 30 seconds. Repeat this process for about 2 and a half minutes total until the beans have a lovely char but remain crisp-tender. Remove them from the pan into a bowl and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
Lower the heat to medium-high and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the finely chopped onion first, allowing it to soften and start turning golden around the edges. Then add the garlic and ginger, cooking everything together for about a minute. The aroma that fills your kitchen here is pure comfort!
Step 5: Cook the Pork and Combine
Turn the heat back up to high and add your pork mince to the pan with the aromatics. Use a spatula to break the pork up as it cooks, ensuring everything gets evenly browned and cooked through—this should take about 2 minutes. Pour in your pre-made sauce, stirring to coat the pork completely. After 30 seconds, add the charred green beans back into the pan and mix everything together for another 30 seconds so flavors meld perfectly.
Step 6: Serve with Rice
Plate your pork and bean stir fry over a steaming bowl of your rice choice—white, brown, jasmine, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Garnish with sliced red chilli if you’d like an extra touch of color and brightness. When serving, mix the pork and beans into the rice to enjoy the full medley of textures and flavors with every bite.
How to Serve Pork Stir Fry with Green Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Sliced fresh red chillies add a vibrant splash of color to your plate and a different kind of spice that contrasts nicely against the richer chilli garlic sauce in the stir fry. For a bit of freshness, you can also sprinkle chopped green onions or a few toasted sesame seeds on top to provide a subtle crunch.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own but pairing it with simple sides like steamed rice or noodles turns it into a hearty meal. For a light touch, a crisp cucumber salad or pickled vegetables can provide a refreshing counterbalance to the savory pork and green beans.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Pork Stir Fry with Green Beans Recipe in lettuce cups, allowing diners to wrap spoonfuls for an interactive eating experience. Alternatively, try plating it family-style on a large platter topped with extra garnishes to invite everyone to dig in and share the flavors together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The green beans hold their texture fairly well, but if they soften too much upon reheating, a quick sauté in a hot pan can revive some crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze this stir fry, but keep in mind that the green beans may become a bit softer after thawing. To freeze, cool the dish completely, place in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Pork Stir Fry with Green Beans Recipe over medium heat in a skillet, stirring frequently until warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the green beans limp and the pork dry. Adding a splash of water or a bit more oil can help maintain moisture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat instead of pork mince?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works well as a leaner substitute, while ground beef offers a richer taste. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked and tender.
What if I don’t have Chinese cooking wine?
You can substitute with dry sherry or even a splash of sake. If neither is available, a bit of white wine or rice vinegar mixed with a pinch of sugar can approximate the flavor.
How spicy is this dish? Can I make it milder?
The chilli garlic sauce adds a moderate heat, but you can easily reduce the amount or omit it to make the dish milder. Garnishing with fresh chillies is optional, so leave those off if you prefer no heat at all.
What’s the best way to get green beans charred without burning them?
High heat and minimal stirring are key. Spread the beans evenly and let them sit for short intervals to develop charred spots, stirring only between these intervals to prevent burning while ensuring even cooking.
Can I prepare this Pork Stir Fry with Green Beans Recipe ahead of time?
You can prep ingredients ahead, like chopping onions, garlic, ginger, and green beans, and mix the sauce early. However, the stir fry itself tastes best freshly cooked for that perfect texture and flavor combination.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and lively about this Pork Stir Fry with Green Beans Recipe that makes it a go-to dinner any night of the week. It’s quick, simple, and packed with fresh, bold flavors that never disappoint. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just discover a new favorite to add to your recipe collection that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family!
Print
Pork Stir Fry with Green Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2 to 3
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Halal
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Pork Stir Fry with Green Beans recipe that combines tender pork mince with crisp green beans, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a savory sauce. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, served over rice and garnished with fresh red chili slices for a mild kick.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 300g / 10oz green beans
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tsp ginger, finely chopped
- Sliced red chili, for garnish (optional)
Meat
- 220g / 7oz pork mince
Oils and Sauces
- 2 1/2 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable or canola oil)
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (shaoxing wine)
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp chili garlic sauce
Other
- Rice of choice, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix together the dark soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, white sugar, and chili garlic sauce until well combined. Set aside.
- Prep the green beans: Trim the stem ends of the green beans, then chop them into 2 to 2.5 cm (4/5 to 1 inch) pieces for even cooking.
- Char the green beans: Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a heavy-based skillet or cast iron pan over high heat until it starts to smoke. Add the green beans, spreading them out to cover the base of the pan. Leave them undisturbed for 1 minute, then quickly stir and spread out again. Cook for another 30 seconds, stir once more, then leave for 30 seconds. Repeat this once more so that beans cook for about 2 1/2 minutes total, until they are charred but still tender and crisp. Remove the beans into a bowl and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium-high, add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add the finely chopped onion first, cooking briefly, then add the garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until the edges of the onion are golden and fragrant.
- Cook the pork: Turn the heat back up to high, add the pork mince to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 2 minutes until the pork is fully cooked through and starting to brown. Pour in the pre-mixed sauce and stir for 30 seconds to coat the meat.
- Combine and finish: Add the charred green beans back into the pan with the pork and sauce, stirring for an additional 30 seconds to mix all the flavors thoroughly and heat through.
- Serve: Serve the pork and green bean stir fry over your rice of choice. Garnish with sliced red chili for a mild heat if desired. For a lower carb or low-calorie option, serve with cauliflower rice.
Notes
- Note 1: Use fresh, firm green beans for the best texture and flavor.
- Note 2: Ground pork works best; you can substitute with ground chicken or turkey if preferred.
- Note 3: Fresh garlic and ginger provide more vibrant flavor than pre-minced versions.
- Note 4: Dark soy sauce adds rich color and depth; light soy sauce can be used but will be less intense.
- Note 5: Shaoxing wine adds authenticity, but dry sherry or mirin can substitute.
- Note 6: Adjust chili garlic sauce to taste depending on your preferred spice level.
- For a low-carb, low-calorie alternative, substitute rice with cauliflower rice.
- Use a heavy-based skillet or cast iron pan to achieve the perfect char on the green beans.
