Pork Stir Fry with Green Beans Recipe
Introduction
This Pork Stir Fry with Green Beans is a quick, flavorful dish that combines tender pork mince with crisp, charred green beans. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it balances savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors in every bite.

Ingredients
- 300g (10oz) green beans
- 220g (7oz) pork mince
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tsp ginger, finely chopped
- 2 1/2 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable or canola oil)
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (shaoxing wine)
- 1 tsp white sugar (or substitute any sugar or faux sugar)
- 1 1/2 tsp plus extra chilli garlic sauce
- Rice of choice, to serve
- Sliced red chilli, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix the dark soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, white sugar, and 1 1/2 tsp chilli garlic sauce to make the sauce.
- Step 2: Trim the stem ends from the green beans and chop them into 2 to 2.5 cm (about 1 inch) pieces.
- Step 3: Heat 1 1/2 tbsp oil in a heavy-based skillet or cast iron pan over high heat until it begins to smoke. Add the green beans, spreading them out to cover the pan base. Let them cook undisturbed for 1 minute.
- Step 4: Stir the beans quickly, spread them out again, and cook for 30 seconds. Stir once more, then leave to cook for another 30 seconds. Repeat this process once more until the beans are charred but still tender-crisp (total cook time about 2 1/2 minutes). Remove the beans to a bowl.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to medium-high, add 1 tbsp oil to the pan. Add the chopped onion, followed by garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute until the onion edges turn golden.
- Step 6: Increase the heat back to high. Add the pork mince, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook for about 2 minutes until the pork is cooked through.
- Step 7: Pour in the prepared sauce and cook for 30 seconds. Add the charred beans back to the pan and stir for another 30 seconds to combine everything evenly.
- Step 8: Serve the pork and green bean stir fry over rice. Garnish with sliced red chilli if desired. For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice.
Tips & Variations
- Use a cast iron or heavy skillet for best charring results on the green beans.
- Substitute Chinese cooking wine with dry sherry or omit it if unavailable.
- Adjust the chilli garlic sauce to your preferred heat level or substitute with fresh chopped chilli.
- For extra crunch, add chopped peanuts or toasted sesame seeds as a garnish.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The green beans may soften upon reheating but will still retain flavor.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this stir fry?
Yes, you can substitute pork mince with thinly sliced pork shoulder or tenderloin. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure the pork is cooked through but remains tender.
What can I use if I don’t have Chinese cooking wine?
If you don’t have Chinese cooking wine, dry sherry or a splash of sake works well as a substitute. Alternatively, you can omit it, but the sauce will have slightly less depth.
Print
Pork Stir Fry with Green Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful and quick pork stir fry featuring tender green beans charred to perfection and combined with a savory, slightly spicy sauce. This dish is perfect served over rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, making it an easy and satisfying meal for any weeknight.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 300g / 10oz green beans
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- Sliced red chilli (optional garnish)
Protein
- 220g / 7 oz pork mince
Aromatics
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tsp ginger, finely chopped
Oils and Sauces
- 2 1/2 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable or canola oil)
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (shaoxing wine)
- 1 1/2 tsp + chilli garlic sauce
Others
- 1 tsp white sugar (or any sugar substitute)
- Rice of choice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together dark soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, white sugar, and chilli garlic sauce until well combined. Set aside.
- Prep the Beans: Trim the stem ends of the green beans and chop them into 2 to 2.5 cm (about 4/5 to 1 inch) pieces, ready for cooking.
- Char the Beans: Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a heavy-based skillet or cast iron pan over high heat until smoking hot. Add the green beans, spreading them evenly to cover the base. Leave undisturbed for 1 minute to char. Quickly stir, then spread out again and cook for 30 seconds more. Stir again and leave for another 30 seconds. Repeat this process one more time, totaling about 2 1/2 minutes, until the beans are charred but still tender crisp. Remove beans from the skillet and place in a bowl.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium-high and add 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Add the finely chopped onion, followed by garlic and ginger. Cook for about 1 minute until the edges of the onion turn golden and aromatics are fragrant.
- Cook the Pork: Increase heat back to high and add the pork mince to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking for around 2 minutes until the pork is fully cooked through. Pour in the prepared sauce, stir and cook for 30 seconds to coat the meat evenly.
- Combine Beans and Pork: Add the charred green beans back into the skillet and stir everything together for another 30 seconds to blend the flavors.
- Serve: Spoon the pork and green bean stir fry over cooked rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Garnish with sliced red chilli if desired. For the best experience, mix the pork into the rice and enjoy this comforting dish with a spoon.
Notes
- Note 1: Fresh green beans should be firm and snap easily when bent.
- Note 2: Pork mince can be substituted with ground chicken, turkey, or beef if preferred.
- Note 3: For extra freshness, use freshly grated ginger and freshly minced garlic.
- Note 4: Dark soy sauce adds deeper color and flavor; light soy sauce can be used but the taste will be lighter.
- Note 5: Shaoxing wine can be substituted with dry sherry or a splash of mirin.
- Note 6: Adjust the amount of chilli garlic sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- Serving suggestion: Try with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: pork stir fry, green beans, quick dinner, Chinese recipe, easy stir fry, weeknight meal

