Stir-fried green beans with minced pork and savory garlic sauce
Chinese Garlic Green Beans with Pork
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
12 min
Total Time
27 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Chinese Garlic Green Beans with Pork
Stir-fried green beans with minced pork and savory garlic sauce
A fast Chinese-style stir-fry of blistered green beans and minced pork in a garlicky savory sauce.
15m
Prep Time
12m
Cook Time
27m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This is one of those dishes where the vegetables do not feel like an obligation. The green beans get just enough blister and the pork gives the whole pan enough savoriness to make it dinner-worthy over rice.
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 8 oz ground pork
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
HeatTool
Test Kitchen Pick
Wok
Helpful Tool
Why a wok helps here
High-heat cooking gets easier when the pan can move food quickly without steaming it. That is the real advantage for stir-fries like this one.
This recipe benefits most from faster heat response and more tossing room.
- Keeps vegetables and proteins from steaming
- Makes quick sauce reduction easier
A flat-bottom wok is the most useful upgrade if you cook stir-fries more than once in a while.
Shop wok options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Stir-fry the green beans in a hot skillet until blistered and crisp-tender, then remove them.
- 2
Cook the pork until browned, then add the garlic.
- 3
Whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and a splash of water.
- 4
Return the green beans to the pan and toss with the sauce until glossy.
- 5
Serve hot over rice if you like.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Substitutions
Ground porkGround chicken
Chicken keeps the dish a little lighter
Oyster sauceHoisin
Hoisin makes the sauce sweeter and less savory
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Sesame Oil
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the sesame oil matters
A small amount of toasted sesame oil changes the aroma fast. It is one of the easiest ways to make a sauce or dressing taste more complete.
This ingredient adds most of its value in aroma and finish.
- Adds nutty depth with very little effort
- Useful in noodles, dressings, and marinades
Toasted sesame oil is a small bottle that tends to have outsized payoff.
Shop sesame oil for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Dry the green beans well before cooking so they blister instead of steam.
A pinch of red pepper flakes gives the dish more urgency if you want it.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in a hot skillet or in the microwave.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 serving) · 4 servings
Calories240
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein16g
Carbohydrates11g
Fat15g
Fiber4g
Sugar5g
Sodium770mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use turkey?
- Yes. Ground turkey works, though pork gives the dish more richness.
- Is this spicy?
- No. Add chile flakes or chili crisp if you want heat.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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