minced pork and sour beans

Sautéed Minced Pork with Pickled Beans: A Culinary Guide

Sautéed minced pork with pickled beans is a beloved Chinese stir-fry, celebrated for its tangy, savory, and umami-rich flavors. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to recreate this dish at home.

Ingredients:

- 200g ground pork (preferably with some fat for richness)

- 150g pickled beans (rinsed and chopped into small pieces)

- 3-4 garlic cloves (minced)

- 1-2 dried chili peppers (sliced, optional for heat)

- 1 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tsp sugar (to balance the tanginess)

- 1 tsp cooking wine

- 2 tbsp vegetable oil

- Sesame oil (for finishing)

Steps:

1. Prep the ingredients: Rinse the pickled beans under cold water to reduce excess saltiness, then pat dry and chop. Mince garlic and slice chilies.

2. Cook the pork: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add ground pork, breaking it up with a spatula, and stir-fry until browned (3-4 minutes). Remove excess oil if needed.

3. Sauté aromatics: Add minced garlic and dried chilies to the wok. Stir-fry until fragrant (30 seconds).

4. Combine and season: Return the pork to the wok. Add pickled beans, soy sauce, sugar, and cooking wine. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until well combined and heated through.

5. Finish: Drizzle with a few drops of sesame oil, give a final stir, and serve hot with steamed rice.

Tips: For extra crunch, blanch the pickled beans briefly before use. Adjust sugar or soy sauce based on the beans’ saltiness. This quick stir-fry pairs perfectly with simple rice, making it a weeknight favorite. Enjoy the bold, tangy-savory harmony in every bite!