Stir-fried green beans with minced pork, or as we call it in the culinary world, Four Seasons Beans, is a beloved dish in many Asian cuisines. This vibrant dish is a delightful dance of textures and flavors, featuring crisp green beans coated in a savory sauce and complemented by the rich taste of minced pork. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any night of the week. Today, I’ll be sharing my family recipe, passed down through generations, to help you recreate this classic at home.

Table of Contents

The Ingredients that Make this Dish Shine

Here’s what you’ll need to create this symphony of flavors:

Green beans: 1 pound, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces. Opt for fresh, bright green beans for the best flavor and texture.
Minced Pork: 1/2 pound. You can substitute this with ground chicken or beef if you prefer.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Garlic is the heart of this dish, lending its pungent aroma and warmth.
Ginger: 1 small piece (about 1 inch), minced. Ginger adds a fresh, slightly spicy kick that balances the savory notes.
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons. This will be our primary source of savory depth and umami.
Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon (optional). Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Cooking Oil: 2 tablespoons. I recommend using a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil.
Salt and Pepper: To taste. Remember, we can always adjust seasoning towards the end.
Red Chili Flakes: A pinch (optional). For those who enjoy a touch of heat, feel free to add a pinch of red chili flakes.

Tools of the Trade

You’ll be surprised how few tools we need for this culinary adventure:

A large skillet or wok: This is our battleground for those beautiful stir-fry flavors.
A cutting board and a sharp knife: For prepping our vegetables and aromatics.
A spatula or cooking spoon: Our trusty sidekick for stirring and tossing.

The Stir-Fry Symphony: A Step-by-Step Guide

Prep your ingredients: Wash, trim, and cut the green beans. Mince the garlic and ginger. This step might seem small, but it makes the cooking process smoother.
Heat the pan, awaken the flavors: Heat the cooking oil in your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic and ginger. Saute for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
The star of the show enters: Add the minced pork to the pan. Break it apart with your spatula and stir-fry until browned.
Green bean magic: Toss in the green beans and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes. They should turn bright green and become slightly tender but still retain a satisfying crunch.
The sauce that binds: Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Stir well to ensure the green beans and pork are evenly coated.
Season and serve: Season with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes to your liking. Give it a final toss, and your stir-fried green beans with minced pork are ready to be devoured!

Tips from My Family Kitchen to Yours

The secret to crispy green beans: Blanching the green beans in boiling water for a minute before stir-frying can help retain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
Don’t overcook the green beans: Nobody likes mushy green beans. The goal is to achieve a delightful crunch.
Get creative with your protein: Feel free to experiment with other protein sources like chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu.
Make it your own: This recipe is a canvas for your creativity! Add other vegetables like chopped carrots, bell peppers, or onions for added flavor and texture.

Stir-fried Green Beans with Minced Pork

Plating and Presentation: From Kitchen to Table

While this dish is incredibly delicious on its own, a little presentation goes a long way. Serve your stir-fried green beans with minced pork over a bed of fluffy white rice. For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped scallions or sesame seeds on top.

Plated Stir-fried Green Beans with Minced Pork

Stir-Fry Your Way to Happiness

There you have it – a simple, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. So why wait? Head to the kitchen and whip up this delightful stir-fry.

Don’t forget to share your culinary masterpiece with us! Leave a comment below and tell us about your experience making this dish. Happy cooking!

Article by Family Cuisine

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