When it comes to quick, flavorful, and nutritious meals, ground pork string beans stand out as an excellent choice. This dish combines tender green beans with savory ground pork, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors that appeal to a wide range of palates. Whether you're looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, ground pork string beans offer versatility and ease of preparation, making them a staple in many Asian-inspired cuisines.
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Introduction to Ground Pork String Beans
Ground pork string beans is a popular dish in many Asian countries, especially in Chinese cuisine. It features fresh green beans stir-fried with seasoned ground pork, often enhanced with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and other flavorful ingredients. The dish is celebrated for its simplicity, hearty taste, and nutritional benefits.
The combination of lean protein from ground pork and fiber-rich green beans makes this dish not only satisfying but also healthful. It can be served over steamed rice or noodles, making it a complete meal. Its adaptability allows for various modifications to suit different taste preferences or dietary needs.
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Ingredients Needed for Ground Pork String Beans
Creating a delicious ground pork string beans dish requires a selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Here's a comprehensive list:
Core Ingredients
- Ground Pork: Preferably lean, about 1 pound (450 grams)
- Green Beans: Fresh, trimmed, about 1 pound (450 grams)
- Garlic: Minced, 3-4 cloves
- Ginger: Minced, 1-inch piece
- Soy Sauce: For umami and seasoning
- Shao Xing Cooking Wine or dry sherry (optional): Adds depth of flavor
- Sesame Oil: For aroma and finishing touches
- Vegetable Oil: For stir-frying
Optional Ingredients for Variations
- Chili Flakes or Fresh Chili: For heat
- Oyster Sauce: Adds sweetness and umami
- Brown Sugar: Slight sweetness to balance flavors
- Spring Onions: For garnish
- Cornstarch: For slurry if thickening is desired
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing ground pork string beans is straightforward, making it accessible even for novice cooks. Here’s a detailed guide:
Preparation
- Wash and trim the green beans, cutting off the ends.
- Mince the garlic and ginger.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, cooking wine (if using), and other liquid seasonings.
- If desired, prepare a cornstarch slurry for thickening.
Cooking Process
- Blanch or stir-fry the green beans: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the green beans and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and slightly tender. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the ground pork: In the same wok, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stir-frying until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add seasonings: Pour in the soy sauce mixture, and stir well to coat the pork. If using, add oyster sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes for heat.
- Combine green beans: Return the cooked green beans to the wok, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Finish with sesame oil: Drizzle sesame oil over the dish for aroma and taste. If using a cornstarch slurry, add it now to thicken the sauce, cooking for an additional minute.
- Serve hot: Garnish with chopped spring onions if desired, and serve over steamed rice or noodles.
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Nutritional Benefits of Ground Pork String Beans
This dish provides a well-rounded nutritional profile, combining lean protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Protein
Ground pork is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health.
Fiber and Vitamins
Green beans are low in calories but rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes satiety. They also contain vitamins A, C, K, and several B-vitamins, supporting immune health, skin health, and energy metabolism.
Minerals
The dish supplies important minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium, which are vital for various bodily functions including oxygen transport, nerve transmission, and blood pressure regulation.
Health Tips
- Use lean ground pork to reduce fat intake.
- Incorporate more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrients.
- Limit the amount of soy sauce for sodium control; opt for low-sodium versions.
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Variations and Customizations
The beauty of ground pork string beans lies in its adaptability. Here are some popular variations:
Spicy Version
Add chopped fresh chili or chili flakes to increase heat. Using Sriracha or chili oil can also add a spicy kick.
Sweet and Savory
Incorporate a teaspoon of brown sugar or honey to balance salty flavors, creating a sweet-savory profile.
Vegetarian Alternative
Replace ground pork with plant-based protein crumbles or tofu for a vegetarian version, keeping the same flavor profile with soy sauce and aromatics.
Extra Flavor Boosters
Add oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or fish sauce to deepen the umami taste. Toasted sesame seeds make a great garnish.
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Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Ground pork string beans is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and beverages:
- Rice: Steamed jasmine, basmati, or brown rice are perfect bases.
- Noodles: Serve over simple stir-fried or plain noodles for a more filling meal.
- Pickled Vegetables: Adds acidity to balance the savory flavors.
- Beverages: Light green tea, jasmine tea, or cold beer complement the savory notes.
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Cooking Tips and Tricks
To ensure your ground pork string beans turns out perfect, keep these tips in mind:
- High Heat Stir-Frying: Use high heat to quickly cook the ingredients, retaining the bright color and crispness of the green beans.
- Prepping Ingredients: Have all ingredients ready before cooking to facilitate smooth stir-frying.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust soy sauce or salt levels to suit your preference.
- Green Bean Texture: Do not overcook the green beans; they should remain slightly crisp for the best texture.
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Conclusion
Ground pork string beans is a delightful dish that embodies the essence of quick, flavorful, and nutritious cooking. Its combination of tender green beans and savory ground pork, enhanced with aromatic garlic and ginger, makes it a favorite for many households. With endless possibilities for customization and pairing, this dish can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Whether served as a standalone main or as part of a larger meal, ground pork string beans offers a satisfying experience that highlights the vibrant flavors of Asian-inspired cuisine.
Embrace the versatility of this dish by experimenting with different seasonings, vegetables, and serving options. Its simple preparation process and wholesome ingredients make it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Enjoy cooking and savoring this delicious, nutritious, and comforting dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best ways to cook ground pork with string beans?
Popular methods include stir-frying with garlic and soy sauce, or simmering in a flavorful sauce until the pork is cooked through and the beans are tender. Quick stir-fries preserve the crunch and flavor of both ingredients.
Can I use ground pork to make a healthy string bean stir-fry?
Yes, choosing lean ground pork and cooking with minimal oil and low-sodium sauces makes for a healthy and delicious dish. Adding plenty of vegetables and serving over brown rice can enhance its nutritional value.
What seasonings go well with ground pork and string beans?
Garlic, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sesame oil complement ground pork and string beans beautifully, adding depth and savory flavor to the dish.
Is ground pork with string beans suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Absolutely! This dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a convenient and tasty option for busy evenings.
How can I make ground pork and string beans more flavorful?
Marinating the ground pork with garlic, soy sauce, and a little sugar before cooking, and adding chili flakes or hoisin sauce during stir-frying, can boost the flavor profile.
Are there any variations of ground pork and string beans recipes?
Yes, you can add ingredients like bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots for added texture and flavor, or incorporate different sauces such as black bean sauce or curry for variety.
What are some tips to prevent overcooking the string beans when using ground pork?
Cook the ground pork separately first until browned, then add the string beans towards the end to keep them crisp-tender. Stir-frying quickly on high heat also helps maintain the beans' texture.
