Introduction

Spicy Szechuan Pork with Green Beans is a bold, flavorful Chinese-inspired dish that combines tender pork slices with crisp green beans in a fiery, aromatic Szechuan sauce. Bursting with heat, garlic, ginger, and umami, this dish delivers the perfect balance of spice, savoriness, and freshness.

Szechuan cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, particularly the signature numbing spiciness of Szechuan peppercorns paired with chili. This recipe brings that authentic taste to your home kitchen while keeping it approachable and quick enough for a weeknight dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines bold, spicy flavors with fresh, crisp vegetables in a way that’s deeply satisfying. The tender pork soaks up the flavorful sauce, while green beans provide a crunchy contrast. The heat from chili and the unique numbing effect of Szechuan peppercorns creates an exciting and addictive flavor experience.

It’s fast, easy, and packs a punch of flavor that feels restaurant-quality but is made entirely at home. Perfect for anyone who loves spicy Asian cuisine, it’s a recipe that never disappoints.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it offers authentic Szechuan flavors in a simple stir-fry. The combination of tender pork, crisp green beans, and spicy, savory sauce is addictive.

It’s also versatile: serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal, and adjust the spice level according to taste. Perfect for spice lovers and anyone looking to elevate a simple stir-fry into a bold, flavorful dinner.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 25–27 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~400
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Chinese / Szechuan

Ingredients

For the Pork:

• 1 lb (450 g) pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp chili paste (Sambal Oelek or similar)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 3 tbsp water

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 cups green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 1–2 tsp Szechuan peppercorns (crushed)
• 2–3 dried red chilies (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 scallions, sliced (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method:

1. Marinate the Pork
   • In a bowl, combine pork slices with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
   • Mix well and let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Sauce
   • In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili paste, sugar, cornstarch, and water.
   • Stir until smooth and set aside.
3. Cook the Pork
   • Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Stir-fry pork for 2–3 minutes until browned and nearly cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
   • In the same wok, add remaining oil.
   • Add garlic, ginger, Szechuan peppercorns, and dried chilies. Stir-fry 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Add green beans and stir-fry 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
5. Combine Pork and Sauce
   • Return pork to the wok.
   • Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well to coat everything.
   • Cook for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and pork is fully cooked.
6. Garnish and Serve
   • Remove from heat, garnish with sliced scallions.
   • Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or noodles.
• Optionally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
• Pair with simple sides like cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to balance the heat.

Recipe Tips

• Slice pork thinly for quick, even cooking.
• Toast Szechuan peppercorns lightly in the pan to enhance their flavor.
• Adjust chili paste to control heat level.
• Use fresh green beans for best crunch; blanch frozen ones briefly if needed.
• Cook sauce separately and add at the end for perfect thickness.

Variations

• Chicken Szechuan: Substitute pork with chicken breast or thighs.
• Beef Szechuan: Use thinly sliced flank steak for a different protein.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace pork with tofu or tempeh and add bell peppers.
• Extra Vegetables: Include bell peppers, snow peas, or baby corn for more variety.
• Noodle Stir-Fry: Toss with cooked noodles instead of rice for a hearty meal.

Freezing & Storage

• Cooked Dish: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight and reheat gently.
• Reheating Tip: Stir-fry briefly in a hot pan or microwave to retain texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Wok or large skillet
• Knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Small bowl for sauce
• Spatula or wooden spoon

FAQ

Q1: Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, reduce chili paste or dried chilies for milder heat.

Q2: Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, but blanch them briefly first to maintain texture.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
You can marinate pork and prep sauce ahead; stir-fry fresh before serving.

Q4: Can I serve without rice?
Yes, serve over noodles, quinoa, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Q5: Can I use ground pork instead of sliced pork?
Yes, but texture will be different. Ground pork will create a saucier, less stir-fry-style dish.

Conclusion

Spicy Szechuan Pork with Green Beans is a bold, flavorful, and quick-to-make dish that combines tender pork, crisp green beans, and a fiery Szechuan sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish delivers authentic Chinese flavors in a simple stir-fry. Its spicy, savory, and aromatic profile makes it a must-try for lovers of bold and satisfying meals.