Fragrant Basil Pork and Green Bean Stew: A Weeknight Delight

Why I Love This Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch. This mixture will create a flavorful and slightly thickened sauce for the stew. Set aside for later.

   ~2 min

   Tip: Adjust the brown sugar to your preference, depending on how sweet you like your stew.
2. 2

   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Make sure the pot is hot before adding the pork to get a good sear. A well-seared pork will add more flavor to the stew.

   ~3 min

   Tip: Use a pot with a heavy bottom to prevent scorching.
3. 3

   Add the cubed pork tenderloin to the pot and sear on all sides until lightly browned. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this will lower the temperature and prevent proper searing. Sear in batches if necessary.

   ~5 min

   Tip: Don't move the pork around too much while searing to allow it to develop a nice crust.
4. 4

   Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma of garlic and ginger will fill your kitchen.

   ~1 min

   Tip: Finely mince or grate the garlic and ginger for the best flavor release.
5. 5

   Pour the soy sauce mixture over the pork and stir to coat. The cornstarch will begin to thicken the sauce almost immediately. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.

   ~2 min

   Tip: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
6. 6

   Add the halved green beans to the pot and stir to combine. Ensure the green beans are evenly coated in the sauce. The green beans will add a fresh, crunchy element to the stew.

   ~2 min

   Tip: If you prefer softer green beans, cook them for a longer period.
7. 7

   Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and the green beans are tender-crisp. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

   ~17 min

   Tip: Check the pork for doneness using a meat thermometer. It should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
8. 8

   Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. The basil will wilt slightly from the heat and release its fragrant oils. This is where the magic happens, transforming the stew with its vibrant flavor.

   ~1 min

   Tip: Reserve a small amount of basil for garnishing, if desired.
9. 9

   Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a pinch of salt or a dash of soy sauce to enhance the flavor. Remember that soy sauce is already salty, so add salt sparingly.

   ~1 min

   Tip: A squeeze of lime juice can also brighten up the flavors.
10. 10

    Serve the Basil Pork and Green Bean Stew hot, garnished with extra fresh basil if desired. It's delicious served on its own or over rice or noodles.

    ~1 min

    Tip: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.

How Do I Know It's Ready?

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts