Frequently Asked Questions
What is Szechuan Spicy Pork and Green Beans Stir-Fry?
It is a vibrant Szechuan-style dish featuring tender marinated pork slices and crisp, blistered green beans infused with garlic, ginger, and a spicy-savory sauce.
How many calories are in this stir-fry?
There are 213 calories per serving of this recipe.
What cut of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of pork tenderloin.
Why should I freeze the pork tenderloin for 30 minutes before cutting?
Freezing the pork for 30 minutes firms up the meat, making it much easier to achieve the thin, shaved slices required for the stir-fry.
How should I prepare the green beans?
The green beans should be trimmed and snapped in half before cooking.
How long do I need to stir-fry the green beans?
Stir-fry the beans for about 10 minutes, or until they are blistered and slightly browned.
What are the ingredients in the pork marinade?
The marinade consists of 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice wine, and 1 teaspoon of Szechuan peppercorns.
What sauces are needed for the stir-fry sauce mixture?
The sauce mixture includes soy sauce, rice wine, spicy bean sauce, hoisin sauce, chili-garlic sauce, and sesame oil.
Is this dish high in protein?
Yes, it contains 15g of protein per serving.
What kind of oil should I use for stir-frying?
You can use either peanut oil or vegetable oil.
How much fat is in this recipe?
The dish contains 11g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this meal?
This recipe has 12.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
When do I add the garlic and ginger?
Add the garlic and ginger to the wok along with the marinated pork after the green beans have been removed.
How long does it take to cook the pork?
The pork should be stir-fried for approximately 3 minutes until it is cooked through and no longer pink.
What role does cornstarch play in the recipe?
Cornstarch is mixed into the sauce to help it thicken and coat the meat and vegetables properly.
When should the green onions be added?
Add the green onions after the pork is cooked and stir-fry for about one minute until they are wilted.
How do I garnish this dish?
The recipe recommends garnishing with 1/4 cup of toasted white sesame seeds for flavor and crunch.
Can I use chicken stock in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of chicken stock is used as a base for the stir-fry sauce.
What makes this dish spicy?
The heat comes from the combination of spicy bean sauce, chili-garlic sauce, and Szechuan peppercorns.
How much sugar is in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar to balance the savory and spicy flavors.
What equipment is best for this recipe?
A wok is ideal, but a large frying pan can also be used.
How many green onions do I need?
The recipe requires 4 thinly sliced green onions.
Is fresh ginger required?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1 inch of fresh ginger, peeled and minced.
What is the serving size?
The specific serving size is not listed, but the recipe uses 1 lb of pork and 1 lb of green beans.
How much garlic is used?
Use 3 cloves of garlic, minced, which equals about 1 tablespoon.
Can I use rice vinegar instead of rice wine?
The recipe calls for rice wine; while vinegar is a common substitute, it will be more acidic, so rice wine is preferred for the intended flavor profile.
Should the sauce be added before or after the beans go back in?
The sauce mixture is poured into the wok first, then the green beans are added back in to be coated.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick dinner' and 'stir-fry', which are typically fast-cooking meals.
What is the primary vegetable in this dish?
Green beans are the primary vegetable used in this recipe.
What should the oil temperature be for the beans?
The oil should be hot, heated over medium-high heat, to ensure the beans blister correctly.