Stir-fry recipes will accommodate a wide variety of meats and vegetables. It is not about the ingredients as much as it is about the method of cooking. The process of stir-frying requires you to heat oil to a high temperature and rotate the pan as the food cooks. A classic pork and string bean stir-fry is a simple meal for a beginning cook. As you master the art form, you can add spices and sauces to complement the core ingredients.
Step 1
Slice the pork into bite-size pieces, or even grind it. Add any spices you may want for the meat. Pepper and garlic powder are a few examples. You may also consider a marinade such as soy sauce.
Step 2
Chop any vegetables, besides the string beans, down to a workable size. The rest of the vegetable collection is up to you. You may add sliced carrots or chestnuts. Choose vegetables that will highlight the meat, such as shiitake mushrooms. Break the ends off of the beans after washing them thoroughly.
Step 3
Pour 1 tbsp. of vegetable oil into a wok or deep skillet. Set the heat to high.
Step 4
Add the prepared pork to the pan and cook for approximately 2 minutes. Keep the pan moving as the meat is seared in the oil. The meat is done when it loses the pink tint. Once complete, move the pork to a plate.
Step 5
Heat another 1 tbsp. of oil and pour in your string beans. Stir the pot and allow the green beans to cook until they wrinkle. Transfer the beans to a paper towel-covered plate.
Step 6
Add the remaining vegetables and any sauces. The most basic sauce would be soy; add 3 to 4 tbsp. to the pan. Other possibilities include chicken broth, hoisin -- an Asian dipping sauce -- or wine vinegar. The sauce selection will make the dish distinctive. If you are new to stir-fry, soy sauce is a straightforward choice. Allow the vegetables to cook until soft. Stir the pan as the vegetables cook, either with a spoon or by shaking it over the heat.
Step 7
Mix the pork and string beans back into the pan. Allow the dish to simmer for 2 minutes and serve.
Tips and Warnings
- There is no right or wrong ingredients for a stir-fry. Mix and match at will to create a signature dish. Sauce is a key component. Experiment with different varieties to find your favorite. Adding cornstarch to a cooking sauce will thicken it and change the texture.
- Peanut oil is a common choice for stir-fry. If you use peanut oil, check to make sure none of your guests have a nut allergy. Canola oil is an appropriate substitute.
Things You'll Need
- Cooking oil
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