Green Bean Stir-Fry with Pork and Zha Cai

Name: Green Bean Stir-Fry with Pork and Zha Cai
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 6 oz ground pork; 1 lb green beans; 2.5 oz zha cai; 4 cloves garlic; 1 scallion; 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch; 2 tsp water; 1 tsp neutral oil; 1/2 tsp sesame oil; 2 tsp Shaoxing wine; 2 tsp light soy sauce; 1 tsp oyster sauce; 1/4 tsp dark soy sauce; 1/4 tsp sugar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/8 tsp white pepper

This green bean stir-fry combines blistered beans, savory ground pork, and crunchy zha cai for a fast, flavor-packed meal. It is a classic Chinese-style stir-fry with a balanced mix of salty, savory, and slightly sweet notes that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.

Servings4 Portions

Prep Time20 Mins

Cook Time15 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

ground pork
6 oz
green beans
1 lb
zha cai
2.5 oz
garlic
4 cloves
scallion
1
cornstarch
0.5 tsp
water
2 tsp
neutral oil
1 tsp
sesame oil
0.5 tsp
Shaoxing wine
2 tsp
light soy sauce
2 tsp
oyster sauce
1 tsp
dark soy sauce
0.3 tsp
sugar
0.3 tsp
salt
0.3 tsp
white pepper
0.1 tsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the ground pork, cornstarch, white pepper, water, neutral oil, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Mix until the pork absorbs the marinade evenly, then let it rest for 15 minutes while you prep the remaining ingredients.

Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the green beans and salt, then stir-fry for 2 minutes to coat them in oil. Cover and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are bright green and lightly blistered but still slightly crisp.

Transfer the green beans to a plate, leaving as much oil in the wok as possible. Add the marinated pork and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until lightly browned. Add the garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, then stir in the zha cai.

Pour in the Shaoxing wine and stir well to loosen any browned bits. Return the green beans to the wok, then add the scallion, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce if using, and sugar. Stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is evenly coated and well seasoned. Serve hot.