If you’re craving a quick and satisfying meal, my Pork and Green Beans Stir Fry is the answer! This recipe combines ground pork with blanched green beans, all tossed in a flavorful homemade sauce that goes perfect over rice! It’s simple, affordable, and incredibly delicious, making it a go-to dish you’ll want to make again and again!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m excited to share this recipe with you because it’s one of my favorite go-to pork stir fry dishes! Inspired by my Bean Sprouts and Pork Stir Fry and Japanese Pork Stir Fry recipes, I’ve added a unique twist on this classic stir fry by using ground pork instead of pork slices, similar to my Soboro Donburi Ground Chicken Bowl. This gives the pork a wonderfully tender texture that pairs perfectly with the crisp, blanched green beans! Then tossed in a variation of my homemade Donburi Sauce, this dish offers a fantastic blend of sweet and savory flavors!
It’s an ideal main course for lunch or a light dinner served over rice, providing a satisfying, flavorful meal with ingredients you likely already have. If you’re looking for a simple and delicious dish that’s a breeze to prepare, this recipe is your answer. Give it a try and discover how easy and delightful stir fry cooking can be!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Ground Pork – pre-ground pork, can be found at grocery stores in the meat section. I recommend using a 80/20 blend.
- Green Beans – fresh, trimmed and chopped to bite size pieces. Best to use medium sized string beans for best texture.
- Salt – regular or sea salt. Used in the water for blanching.
- Neutral Oil – no taste or flavor with high cooking temperature. Some choices are sunflower oil, peanut oil, sallower oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil.
- Japanese Sake – typically will come in a large bottle labeled junmai sake. Can also substitute with dry sherry wine or Chinese cooking wine, found at local grocery stores or Asian markets. Adds additional umami flavor to the sauce and balance out the flavors.
- Soy Sauce – low-sodium Soy Sauce preferred. Can also use tamari for gluten-free. The main flavor of the sauce.
- Sweetener – use your preferred sweetener.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
- Wok or Deep Large Skillet
Directions
☑ Before Getting Started
Use a roomy Wok or Deep Skillet to give all your ingredients plenty of room to cook in.
Step 1 Prepare the sauce by combining sweetener, Japanese sake, soy sauce, in a mixing bowl.
Step 2 In a large pot, add water and salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add chopped green beans and blanch for 30 seconds, then immediately run them under cold water to stop the cooking process and place them in a colander to drain.
💡 Boiling Pro Tip
Opt for a Large Pot and ensure there’s plenty of water. This allows the string beans ample space to boil evenly while maintaining the correct temperature.
Step 3 Add oil to a wok or a large deep skillet and bring the oil up to temperature under high heat. Once the oil is preheated, add in ground pork, use a spatula as needed to break apart the meat and cook thoroughly until browned, around 2-3 minutes.
Step 4 Next add the blanched green beans and stir-fry over high heat for 1-2 minutes until tender. Mix in the sauce and cook for an additional 15-30 seconds. Transfer to a serving plate.
🍽️ Serving Pro Tip
I recommend to Serve this Dish Immediately after cooking while it’s still hot for best taste.
Recipe Variations
Swap the ground pork for sliced pork and use my Pepper Lunch Sauce or Japanese Pork Stir Fry Sauce to make a Pork and Vegetable Stir Fry variation using the same preparation from this recipe!
Pairing Recommendations
To round out your meal, serve with rice of your choice or my Japanese Pork Fried Rice for a heartier pairing. Complement it with my Japanese Hibachi Onion Soup or Japanese Chicken Soup for a comforting touch. For a refreshing contrast, try my Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad or Japanese Bacon Spinach Salad to make your meal complete!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
I recommend using fresh green beans for this recipe. Frozen green beans may not have the same crispy texture when stir-fried, which can affect the overall texture of the dish.
What can I substitute for ground pork?
You can use ground chicken or turkey as suitable alternatives. Each will give a slightly different flavor and texture but will work well in this recipe.
How do I ensure the green beans are cooked perfectly?
I recommend to taste them as you cook. The ideal texture can vary based on personal preference, so tasting is the best way to get them just right for you.
What kind of rice pairs best with this dish?
Steamed white rice is the traditional choice for pairing with this dish, but you can also use brown rice for a nuttier flavor or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, transfer them into an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness for up to 5-7 days.
Other Recipes You Might Like
- Pork and Onion Stir Fry
- Garlic String Beans
- Japanese Ginger Pork Stir Fry
- Pork and Vegetable Stir Fry
Watch How To Make It
Pork and Green Beans Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Pork
- 1/2 Cup Green Beans trimmed, chopped
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tbsp Cooking Oil neutral, no flavor
- 1 tbsp Japanese Sake
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Sweetener your preferred sweetener
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Combine sweetener, Japanese sake, soy sauce to prepare sauce.
- Add water and salt to a large pot and bring it to a rolling boil. Add in green beans and blanch for 30 seconds, then run them under cold water and place them in a colander to drain.
- In a large wok or deep skillet, heat cooking oil, add ground pork and use a spatula as needed to break apart the meat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until browned.
- Add blanched green beans and cook for 1-2 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness. Pour in the sauce and cook for another 15-30 seconds. Transfer to a serving plate.
