Nutritional Value

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the Pork & Green Bean Stir-Fry per serving (assuming the recipe serves 4):

Per Serving:

• Calories: 300-350 kcal

• Protein: 30-35 grams

• Fat: 15-20 grams

  • Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams

  • Monounsaturated Fat: 7-8 grams

• Carbohydrates: 18-22 grams

  • Fiber: 4-6 grams

  • Sugar: 8-10 grams (mainly from apricot jam)

• Cholesterol: 70-90 mg

• Sodium: 600-700 mg

• Potassium: 600-700 mg

• Calcium: 50-70 mg

• Iron: 2-3 mg

This stir-fry offers a great source of lean protein from the pork, with healthy fats from sesame oil and seeds. It’s a low-carb meal (net carbs), making it great for those watching their carb intake. The green beans and jam provide fiber and natural sweetness. Keep in mind that the sodium content may vary depending on the soy sauce or tamari used.

The Pork: Tender and Crispy

Pork tenderloin is the perfect choice for this stir-fry, as it cooks quickly and remains tender while still providing a hearty base for the dish. By tossing the sliced pork in cornstarch, you create a light coating that helps the pork crisp up when cooked in oil, resulting in a delightful contrast of textures. The crispy exterior locks in the juices, making each bite of pork flavorful and juicy on the inside.

The pork is cooked over medium-high heat in grapeseed (or avocado) oil, which ensures that it gets a nice sear while staying tender. As the pork browns, it develops a savory, slightly caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the sauce.

The Green Beans: Crisp and Fresh

Green beans are the perfect vegetable for this stir-fry, offering both crunch and color to the dish. They cook quickly, allowing them to stay tender-crisp, maintaining their fresh flavor and texture. Stir-frying the green beans with the pork in the same pan ensures that the beans absorb some of the savory flavors from the pork and sauce, making them a flavorful complement to the rich meat.

Green beans are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to this dish. They provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the pork and the sweetness of the apricot jam.

The Sauce: Sweet, Savory, and Spicy

The sauce is where this stir-fry really shines, combining a delightful balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. The apricot jam brings a subtle sweetness that’s perfectly balanced by the salty tamari (or soy sauce) and the rich, nutty sesame oil. The chile-garlic sauce adds a spicy kick, infusing the dish with heat that complements the other flavors without overpowering them.

This sauce ties everything together, coating the pork and green beans with a glossy finish that makes each bite irresistible. The quick cooking time ensures that the sauce doesn’t overpower the ingredients, but instead enhances their natural flavors.

Cooking the Stir-Fry: Quick and Easy

This Pork & Green Bean Stir-Fry is incredibly quick to prepare, with a cooking time of just 20 minutes. After preparing the pork and marinating it in cornstarch, simply heat the oil in a large wok or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. The pork cooks first, becoming crisp and golden in the hot oil. Then, the green beans are added, cooking until they’re tender-crisp and infused with the flavors of the pork.

The final step is adding the apricot jam sauce and letting everything cook together for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to coat the pork and green beans. The result is a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s packed with balanced flavors and textures.

Serving the Stir-Fry: Simple and Delicious

Once the stir-fry is cooked, it’s ready to be served immediately. Garnish with fresh scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds (optional) for added flavor and crunch. The dish can be served over a bed of rice or noodles to soak up the savory sauce and make the meal more filling. This stir-fry is perfect on its own, but the rice or noodles add an extra element of heartiness, making it a well-rounded meal.

This dish is not only quick to make but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors with tender pork and crisp green beans makes each bite a delicious experience.

Why You Should Try Pork & Green Bean Stir-Fry

Pork & Green Bean Stir-Fry is the perfect weeknight meal when you want something quick, healthy, and flavorful. The combination of tender pork, fresh vegetables, and a balanced sauce makes for a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes. It’s versatile, too – you can adjust the spice level with more or less chile-garlic sauce, and you can easily serve it over rice or noodles for added heartiness.

This stir-fry is not only quick and easy but also a great way to enjoy fresh vegetables in a tasty and satisfying way. The sweet, salty, and spicy combination is sure to please everyone at the table, making it a go-to dish for busy evenings or whenever you’re in the mood for a light yet hearty meal.

Conclusion

Pork & Green Bean Stir-Fry is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a flavorful, balanced, and nutritious meal. The tender pork, crisp green beans, and tangy sauce create a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this stir-fry is a quick, easy, and flavorful option that everyone will love. Give it a try and enjoy a vibrant, healthy meal in just 20 minutes!