Pork and Green Bean Stir-Fry Recipe

PORK TENDERLOIN: This is a lean and tender cut of pork that cooks quickly and stays juicy.

GREEN BEANS: Fresh green beans add a nice crunch and bright color to the dish.

SOY SAUCE: A salty, savory sauce that brings out the umami flavor.

OYSTER SAUCE: A rich, slightly sweet sauce made from oysters that adds depth to the stir-fry.

VEGETABLE OIL: Used for cooking, it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point.

GARLIC: Minced garlic gives the dish a fragrant and tasty kick.

CORNSTARCH: Mixed with water, it thickens the sauce to give it a nice consistency.

One of the most important moves in this Pork and Green Bean Stir-Fry Recipe is how you stir-fry the pork and green beans. Stir-frying means cooking food quickly in a hot pan while moving it around a lot. Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Heat your wok or pan over high heat before adding any oil. This makes sure the food cooks fast and gets a nice color.
2. Add the vegetable oil and swirl it around so the whole surface is coated.
3. Toss in the minced garlic and stir it for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing but doesn’t burn.
4. Add the thinly sliced pork tenderloin and keep stirring or tossing it so every piece touches the hot pan. This helps the pork brown evenly and stay juicy.
5. When the pork looks cooked, add the trimmed green beans and keep stirring for a few more minutes. Moving the food constantly stops it from sticking or burning.

Doing this right makes your stir-fry taste better because the pork gets a nice brown crust, and the green beans stay crisp and fresh instead of soggy. Plus, it cooks everything fast, so the flavors stay bright and yummy.

A little secret I learned is that if you don’t keep the food moving, the pork can get tough or dry. At first, I didn’t stir enough and ended up with some burnt bits, which wasn’t fun. Now, I make sure to keep my hands busy with the spatula or tongs, and it really makes a difference. Also, slicing the pork tenderloin thin helps it cook quickly and stay tender, which is perfect for stir-frying.

• pork tenderloin - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast is a lean protein that can mimic the texture and flavor profile of pork when thinly sliced and cooked in a stir-fry.

• pork tenderloin - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, firm tofu can absorb flavors well and provide a similar protein content to pork.

• green beans - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus has a similar texture and can be cooked to the same crisp-tender consistency as green beans.

• green beans - Substitute with broccoli: Broccoli florets can add a similar crunch and nutritional value to the dish.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and offers a similar umami flavor.

• soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos provide a soy-free option with a slightly sweeter taste, suitable for those avoiding soy.

• oyster sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce can provide a similar sweet and savory flavor, though it is slightly thicker and sweeter.

• oyster sauce - Substitute with mushroom sauce: Mushroom sauce can mimic the umami flavor of oyster sauce and is suitable for vegetarians.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthy alternative with a mild flavor that works well in stir-frying.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste profile.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, sweeter flavor similar to garlic when minced and cooked.

• garlic - Substitute with ginger: Fresh ginger can add a spicy, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients in the stir-fry.

• cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder is a gluten-free thickening agent that works similarly to cornstarch.

• cornstarch - Substitute with potato starch: Potato starch can be used as a thickener in place of cornstarch, providing a similar consistency.

• Allow the pork and green bean stir-fry to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess.

• Transfer the stir-fry to an airtight container. For best results, use a shallow container to ensure even cooling and reheating.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. This will keep the pork tender and the green beans crisp.

• For longer storage, place the stir-fry in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Ensure you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container with the date of storage to keep track of its freshness. The stir-fry can be frozen for up to 2 months without significant loss of flavor or texture.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen stir-fry in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the dish's quality.

• Reheat the stir-fry in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the flavors and prevent drying out.

• Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, and serve hot with freshly cooked rice for a delightful meal.

• Use a microwave: Place the pork and green bean stir-fry in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, then stir. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. This method is quick and retains moisture, but be cautious not to overheat, which can make the pork tough.

• Reheat on the stovetop: Add a splash of vegetable oil or a bit of water to a non-stick skillet. Heat over medium heat and add the stir-fry. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. This method helps maintain the texture of the green beans and keeps the pork tender.

• Use an oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stir-fry in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally. This method is ideal if you want to reheat a larger portion without using the microwave.

• Try a steamer: If you have a steamer basket, place the stir-fry in it and steam over boiling water for 5-7 minutes. This gentle method helps retain moisture and keeps the vegetables vibrant.

• Use an air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the stir-fry in the basket, ensuring it's spread out evenly. Heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method can add a slight crispiness to the green beans while keeping the pork juicy.

• Wok: A large, round-bottomed cooking vessel that is perfect for stir-frying due to its ability to distribute heat evenly and quickly.

• Stirring spoon: A long-handled spoon used to stir ingredients in the wok, ensuring even cooking and preventing sticking.

• Knife: Essential for thinly slicing the pork tenderloin and trimming the green beans.

• Cutting board: A sturdy surface to safely chop and prepare the pork and green beans.

• Measuring spoons: Used to accurately measure the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch.

• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining the cornstarch with water to create a slurry before adding it to the stir-fry.

• Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.

• Serving spoon: Used to serve the finished stir-fry onto plates or bowls.

• Rice cooker: Optional, but helpful for preparing rice to accompany the stir-fry.

Prep ingredients in advance: Slice the pork tenderloin and trim the green beans ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use a hot wok: Ensure the wok is properly heated before adding vegetable oil to speed up the stir-frying.

Batch cook: Double the recipe and store leftovers for quick meals later in the week.

Ready sauces: Mix soy sauce and oyster sauce together beforehand for quick addition.

Quick thicken: Pre-mix the cornstarch with water to have it ready when needed.