Looking for a quick dinner that’s both filling and tasty? This ground pork with green beans is my go-to meal when I need something on the table fast. It’s basically a better version of the stir-fry my mom used to make, but with a few simple tricks that make it extra good. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this dish comes together in about 20 minutes and always hits the spot.
Ingredient Substitutions
Minced pork can be replaced with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, maintaining the dish’s texture and protein content. Adjust cooking time slightly, as poultry may cook faster than pork. For a vegetarian alternative, crumbled firm tofu or tempeh can be used, though additional seasoning may be needed to enhance flavor.
Green beans can be substituted with asparagus or sugar snap peas for a similar crisp texture and nutritional profile. Cut asparagus into bite-sized pieces and reduce cooking time slightly. Sugar snap peas can be used whole and may require less cooking time than green beans.
Peanut oil can be replaced with avocado oil or coconut oil for different flavor profiles and health benefits. Both alternatives have high smoke points suitable for stir-frying. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe. For those with nut allergies, these substitutions also provide safe options.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 500-600
- Protein: 35-40 g
- Fat: 35-40 g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 g
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (adds deeper color and richer flavor)
- 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
- 1 1/2 tsp chili garlic sauce (I use Lee Kum Kee brand)
For the main dish:
- 2 tsp chopped ginger
- 10 oz fresh green beans (trimmed and snapped)
- 1/2 small onion (finely diced)
- 2 1/2 tbsp peanut oil
- 2 tsp chopped garlic (freshly minced for best aroma)
- 7 oz minced pork
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by mixing all your sauce ingredients together in a bowl and set aside.
Then, trim the tough ends of the green beans and chop them into 2 – 2.5 cm (about 1 inch) pieces.
Make sure all other ingredients, like the onion, garlic, and ginger, are prepped and ready for use.
Step 2: Char the Green Beans
Heat 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy-based skillet over high heat until smoking; cast iron is ideal for this.
Add the chopped green beans and spread them out to cover the base of the skillet.
Leave the beans undisturbed for 1 minute to allow them to char.
Then, give them a quick stir, spread them out again, and cook for another 30 seconds.
Stir them once more, leave for an additional 30 seconds, then stir again.
Continue this process for a total of 2 1/2 minutes until the beans are charred and tender-crisp but not withered and floppy.
Remove the beans from the skillet and place them into a bowl.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
Turn the heat down to medium-high, and add 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet.
Add the onion, garlic, and ginger.
Cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally, until the edges of the onion become golden and fragrant.
Step 4: Cook the Pork and Combine
Increase the heat back to high and add the pork to the skillet.
Break up the pork with a spoon as it cooks.
Continue cooking for about 2 minutes until the pork is fully cooked through.
Pour in the sauce that was prepared earlier and cook everything together for an additional 30 seconds.
Finally, add the charred beans back into the skillet and stir for another 30 seconds to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the pork and green bean mixture over a bed of rice.
If desired, garnish the dish with slices of large red chili for a mild heat.
To eat, mix the pork into the rice and enjoy with a spoon.
For a low-carb option, consider serving the dish over cauliflower rice instead.
