Blistering green beans in a smoking-hot pan gives them a lightly charred exterior and a tender, slightly chewy bite with a subtle smoky flavor. Paired with lean ground pork, a splash of rice wine, soy sauce, and sesame oil, this quick stir-fry delivers all the bold, savory flavors of your favorite Szechuan takeout—right from your own kitchen. Just be sure to turn on your vent hood or crack a window, as high heat is key to achieving that signature blistered texture.

RD Tip: Using extra-lean ground pork keeps this dish lighter without sacrificing flavor as regular ground pork can significantly increase the fat and total calorie content of the dish. 

Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes

Blistered Green Bean and Pork Stir-Fry

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb (454g) green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch (5-cm) pieces
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 8 oz. (227g) extra-lean ground pork
  • 1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
  • 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice cooking wine (or dry sherry or mirin) 
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 cups (390g) steamed brown rice

Directions

Heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is very hot, add the green beans, salt, and pepper and sauté for 3 1/2–4 minutes, until blistered and tender. Transfer to a serving plate and set aside.

Return the pan to medium-high heat. Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant. Add the pork and cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until the pork is no longer pink, 2–4 minutes. Drain off excess fat, if needed. Return the green beans to the pan, then add the soy sauce and cooking wine. Cook, stirring frequently, until heated through, adding a splash of water if the pan looks dry. Drizzle with sesame oil and serve with the rice.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1/4 (142g) of the green bean mixture and ½ cup rice

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 274; Total Fat: 8g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 33mg; Sodium: 402mg; Carbohydrate: 32g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 17g

 Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 486mg; Iron: 10%; Vitamin C: 25%; Calcium: 7%

Originally published August 27, 2020; Updated April 2026

The post Blistered Green Bean and Pork Stir-Fry appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

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