| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 310 | 23g | 6g | 10g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 4g | 20g | 1.6g |
Why I Love Chinese Dry-Fried Green Beans and Pork
It’s no secret that I adore dishes that meld different culinary traditions. The recipe for Dry-Fried Green Beans and Pork is an exciting mix of flavors that marries tender green beans with savory ground pork. This particular recipe holds a special place in my heart, as it brings vibrant, comforting flavors to the table with each bite.
A Balance of Flavors and Textures
One of the reasons I love this recipe so much is its intricate balance of textures and flavors. The green beans are dry-fried to achieve a perfect crispness, something similar to the method used in the classic Szechuan dish, Gan Bian Si Ji Dou (干煸四季豆). The tender, caramelized beans create an excellent contrast with the succulent, richly-seasoned ground pork. The robust mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce adds layers of umami and depth to the dish. Additionally, the ginger and garlic provide a zesty kick, while the optional dried shrimp introduces a delightful touch of the sea.
Having grown up in a culturally diverse city like Boston, I’ve been fortunate to experience a myriad of international cuisines. This recipe echoes the wisdom of traditional Chinese cooking techniques but effortlessly aligns with straightforward home cooking.
A Versatile Favorite
Another reason I cherish this recipe is its versatility. The Dry-Fried Green Beans and Pork can be an excellent standalone dish for a quick, hearty dinner or served alongside steamed jasmine rice or a bowl of simple wonton soup for a more elaborate meal. Its adaptability makes it a family favorite for weeknight dinners and even special gatherings. It brings a burst of flavors reminiscent of bustling Chinese street markets, right into our home.
Indeed, in our household, it’s not uncommon to find Laura and I sharing stories over this delightful dish while our baby boy curiously eyes the colorful platter. There’s a certain magic in knowing that food has the power to connect us across different cultures and generations.
If you’re looking to expand your culinary repertoire, I highly recommend giving this dish a try. You might find inspiration in the approaches of renowned chefs like Ken Hom, who has been instrumental in popularizing Chinese cuisine in the Western world. For more insights into the art of dry-frying and authentic Chinese cooking techniques, check out [Ken Hom’s iconic recipes](http://www.kenhom.co.uk/recipes/).
Don’t hesitate to pair this dish with something mildly spiced or tangy, like a Chinese cabbage salad or a light cucumber pickle, to create a refreshing contrast. Enjoy the intricate flavors of this delightful Dry-Fried Green Beans and Pork recipe, and let it become a new favorite in your home, just as it has in ours.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1.5 pounds green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup dried shrimp, soaked and chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Method
Step One
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Mix well and set aside.
Step Two
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the green beans and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until they are blistered and tender. Remove the green beans from the skillet and set aside.
Step Three
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step Four
Add the ground pork to the skillet and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until it is fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Step Five
Add the soaked and chopped dried shrimp (if using) to the skillet and stir well.
Step Six
Return the cooked green beans to the skillet. Pour the sauce mixture over the green beans and pork, then add 1/4 cup of water. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step Seven
Add the sliced green onions and drizzle with sesame oil. Stir well to combine. Serve hot.
