Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spicy Szechuan Pork & Green Beans Stir-Fry?
It is a bold and flavorful dish featuring tender ground pork, vibrant green beans, garlic, and a savory hoisin-based sauce served over white rice.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What type of meat is used in this stir-fry?
The recipe calls for one pound of ground lean pork.
How spicy is this Szechuan dish?
The dish has a spicy kick from 2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes, though you can adjust this amount to suit your personal heat preference.
What ingredients are in the stir-fry sauce?
The sauce is a blend of hoisin sauce, sugar, red pepper flakes, and low sodium soy sauce.
What kind of green beans should I use?
You should use 5 cups of fresh green beans that have been trimmed and cut in half.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is tagged as a potluck-friendly dish because it serves a large group and is easy to prepare.
What type of rice is recommended for serving?
The recipe suggests serving the stir-fry over 4 cups of hot, cooked white rice.
How much garlic is needed for this recipe?
You will need 4 garlic cloves, which should be grated for the best flavor distribution.
What oil is used for the stir-fry?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of peanut oil.
Why is cornstarch included in the ingredients?
Two teaspoons of cornstarch are used to coat the ground pork, which helps with browning and thickening the sauce.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
Yes, the recipe balances spice with 2 teaspoons of sugar, which can be adjusted if you prefer a less sweet profile.
What seasonings are used for the pork?
The pork is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe, making it a great choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
What type of soy sauce should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for low sodium soy sauce to keep the salt levels in check.
How much hoisin sauce is required?
You will need 4 tablespoons of hoisin sauce.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The flavor profile is a balance of savory, spicy, and sweet with strong aromatic notes of garlic.
Is this dish authentic Chinese cuisine?
It is a Szechuan-style dish, which is a popular regional category of Chinese cuisine known for bold and spicy flavors.
How many cups of cooked rice do I need?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of hot and cooked white rice.
Can I use a different type of oil if I don't have peanut oil?
While peanut oil is traditional for its high smoke point and flavor, you can substitute it with another high-heat oil like vegetable or canola oil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients in this recipe.
Should the pork be cooked before starting the stir-fry?
No, the pork should be raw and then seasoned with cornstarch, salt, and pepper before cooking in the pan.
Is the garlic minced or sliced?
The recipe specifically recommends using 4 grated garlic cloves for a finer texture.
Is this a good dinner recipe for families?
Yes, it's categorized as a dinner recipe and its large serving size makes it ideal for family gatherings.
What kind of beans are used?
The recipe uses green beans as the primary vegetable.
How much red pepper flakes should I add for medium heat?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons for a spicy dish; you might start with 1 teaspoon if you prefer medium heat.
Does the recipe contain salt?
Yes, it uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt for the pork seasoning, plus the salt present in the soy sauce.
Can I use ground turkey instead of pork?
While the recipe specifies ground lean pork, ground turkey or chicken could be used as a leaner alternative.
What is the primary vegetable ingredient?
Green beans are the primary vegetable, used in a quantity of 5 cups.
Is the dish served cold or hot?
The stir-fry is best served immediately while hot, especially over the hot cooked rice.