If you’re craving a dish that hits all the right notes—savory, crispy, tender, and packed with vibrant colors—then the Pork with Dry Pressed Tofu and Green Beans Stir-Fry Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This stir-fry beautifully combines juicy slices of pork tenderloin with the satisfying chewiness of dry pressed tofu and the fresh snap of green beans, all tossed in a glossy, flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to every ingredient. Quick to prepare but rich in texture and flavor, this dish makes a fantastic weeknight dinner that feels special every time you make it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Pork with Dry Pressed Tofu and Green Beans Stir-Fry Recipe is easy because the ingredients are straightforward but essential. Each one brings something important to the table—from the tender pork and hearty tofu to the crisp freshness of green beans and that uniquely savory sauce that ties everything together.
- 1 lb (450g) pork tenderloin, thinly sliced: Choose fresh pork tenderloin for its tenderness and quick cooking time.
- 1 block (about 14 oz or 400g) dry pressed tofu, cut into cubes: Dry pressed tofu crisps up beautifully and soaks up all the sauce flavors.
- 1 lb (450g) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces: Fresh green beans add crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings aromatic depth and a little zing with every bite.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated: Ginger adds warmth and a subtle spicy note that brightens the stir-fry.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: The salty backbone that infuses the dish with umami goodness.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a luxurious, slightly sweet depth to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Just a dash imparts a toasty fragrance that feels like a secret ingredient.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it perfectly coats the pork, tofu, and beans.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for high-heat stir frying.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season simply to enhance all the layered flavors.
- Cooked rice, for serving: A fluffy bed of rice is the ideal partner to soak up every bite of this stir-fry.
How to Make Pork with Dry Pressed Tofu and Green Beans Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a small bowl. This simple sauce will elevate every component of the dish by adding savory richness and a glossy finish. Set it aside for now while you work on the other elements.
Step 2: Cook the Pork
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then add the thinly sliced pork. Stir-fry it until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This initial sear locks in the juices and makes the pork irresistibly tender. Once done, remove the pork and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Return the pan to the heat and pour in the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, frying them for just about 30 seconds until their enticing fragrance fills your kitchen. This brief burst of heat releases their essential oils, building the flavor foundation of the dish.
Step 4: Crisp the Tofu
Add the dry pressed tofu cubes to the skillet and stir-fry them gently but thoroughly until they develop a golden-brown crust on all sides. This crunch contrasts nicely with the tender pork and lively green beans and gives the dish wonderful texture.
Step 5: Add the Green Beans
Now it’s time for the green beans to join the party. Stir-fry them for 2 to 3 minutes until they are slightly softened but still retain a pleasant crispness. Their fresh green color also makes the dish visually appealing.
Step 6: Combine and Sauce It Up
Return the cooked pork to the skillet and pour your prepared sauce over the mixture. Stir everything well for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat every morsel evenly. The magic here is how the flavors meld—juicy pork, crispy tofu, snappy beans, all elevated by that luscious sauce.
Step 7: Season and Finish
Give the stir-fry a final seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Taste as you go—a little adjustment can bring all the ingredients into perfect harmony.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Serve the Pork with Dry Pressed Tofu and Green Beans Stir-Fry Recipe immediately over freshly cooked rice. The rice soaks up the sauce like a dream, turning every forkful into a comforting, well-rounded meal.
How to Serve Pork with Dry Pressed Tofu and Green Beans Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh, bright note, sprinkle thinly sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds just before serving. These little touches bring color and subtle texture contrast, making the dish even more inviting to the eyes and palate.
Side Dishes
While the stir-fry is a complete meal by itself, pairing it with a side of steamed jasmine or brown rice makes for a filling and balanced plate. You could also serve it alongside a crisp cucumber salad or lightly pickled vegetables to cut through the richness with refreshing acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Pork with Dry Pressed Tofu and Green Beans Stir-Fry Recipe in individual lettuce wraps or over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Alternatively, plating it family-style in a large bowl invites sharing and conversation, turning dinner into a festive event.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stir-fry keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more as they rest, making it easy to enjoy a delicious homemade meal the next day with little effort.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, freeze the cooled stir-fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When properly thawed, it maintains most of its original texture and taste, especially if you reheat gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickened too much. Microwaving works too but can make the tofu less crispy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tofu for this stir-fry?
Dry pressed tofu works best because it crisps up nicely and holds its shape. However, if you only have regular firm tofu, press out as much water as possible before cooking to get a similar texture.
What can I substitute if I don’t have oyster sauce?
A mix of soy sauce and a touch of hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce can mimic the rich, slightly sweet flavor of oyster sauce. Adjust the amounts to taste.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not by default. The Pork with Dry Pressed Tofu and Green Beans Stir-Fry Recipe focuses on savory and umami flavors. But if you like heat, adding chili flakes or fresh sliced chili peppers during the aromatic sauté step is a great idea.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pork and increase the tofu or add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for variety. Make sure to use vegetarian oyster sauce or substitute accordingly.
How do I ensure the pork stays tender?
Slice the pork thinly and stir-fry quickly on medium-high heat without overcrowding the pan. Removing the pork as soon as it’s cooked also prevents overcooking and helps it stay juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Pork with Dry Pressed Tofu and Green Beans Stir-Fry Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s incredibly satisfying, colorful, and packed with textures and flavors that make every bite delightful. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it’s a surefire way to impress with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Pork with Dry Pressed Tofu and Green Beans Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A flavorful stir-fry featuring tender pork tenderloin, crispy dry pressed tofu, and fresh green beans, all coated in a savory sauce made from soy, oyster, and sesame oil. This quick and easy dish delivers a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and umami, ideal for a wholesome weeknight meal served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb (450g) pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
- 1 block (about 14 oz or 400g) dry pressed tofu, cut into cubes
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 lb (450g) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch thoroughly. Set this sauce mixture aside for later use.
- Cook the pork: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced pork tenderloin and stir-fry until the pork is browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant and aromatic.
- Cook tofu: Add the cubed dry pressed tofu to the skillet. Stir-fry carefully to brown and crisp the tofu on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add green beans: Add the prepared green beans to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but retain a crisp texture.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked pork to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over the combined ingredients. Stir-fry everything together for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the pork, tofu, and green beans.
- Seasoning: Season the stir-fry with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting flavor as needed.
- Serve: Serve the hot pork, tofu, and green bean stir-fry immediately over cooked rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Dry pressed tofu is preferred to achieve a crisp texture; if unavailable, press regular tofu by removing excess moisture with paper towels and weighting it for 30 minutes.
- Make sure to slice the pork thinly to ensure quick cooking and tenderness.
- Adjust the amount of soy and oyster sauce to your taste preference; for a saltier dish, increment slightly.
- For a spicier variation, add some sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili paste during the garlic and ginger step.
- This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine or brown rice for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in a pan or microwave.
