Craving a vibrant and flavorful dish that's both quick to prepare and bursting with deliciousness? Look no further than this stir-fried green bean curry! This recipe takes the familiar comfort of green beans and elevates it with the aromatic intensity of a homemade curry paste, resulting in a dish that’s surprisingly easy to master. The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes dances on your palate, leaving you wanting more. Forget takeout – this recipe is your ticket to an authentic, restaurant-quality meal made right in your own kitchen.
The secret lies in the perfectly balanced curry paste, which we'll guide you through making from scratch. Forget pre-made pastes loaded with unnecessary additives; ours is fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor. Ready to experience the magic of this simple yet sophisticated dish? Let's dive into the step-by-step process to create your own unforgettable stir-fried green bean curry.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- Pork belly: 250 grams
- Yardlong beans: 250 grams
- Red curry paste: 50 grams
- Kaffir lime leaves: 3
- Fish sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Green-capped soy sauce: 1/2 tablespoon
- Shrimp paste: 1 teaspoon
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Water: 70 ml
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Cut pork belly into bite-sized pieces, about 1 cm thick.
- Cut yardlong beans into 1-inch lengths.
- Boil water with 1 teaspoon of salt. Add beans and boil for 1-2 minutes until cooked. Then soak in cold water.
Step 2. Cook the Pork and Build Flavor
- Heat pan with oil. Add red curry paste and shrimp paste, stir-fry until fragrant and yellow.
- Add pork belly and stir-fry until it starts to cook. Add kaffir lime leaves.
- Add water and bring to a boil. Add sugar, green-capped soy sauce, and oyster sauce.
Step 3. Combine and Finish
- Add blanched yardlong beans and stir-fry until everything is well-cooked and mixed.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Adding shrimp paste enhances the flavor of the curry paste.
- Kaffir lime leaves add fragrance and remove any meaty smell.
- Adjust cooking time for yardlong beans to achieve desired texture (crisp or soft).
- This method helps reduce the green smell of the yardlong beans.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-made curry paste instead of making my own?
While you can, making your own paste ensures fresher, more vibrant flavors. However, if pressed for time, a good quality store-bought green curry paste will work.
2. What can I substitute for pork belly?
Chicken thighs, tofu, or even firm fish like cod would be excellent substitutes. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
3. How can I adjust the spice level?
Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chilies in the curry paste. Start with less and add more to taste. You can also add a splash of coconut milk at the end to mellow the spice.
This stir-fried green bean curry with pork belly is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients elevated by bold flavors. From the fragrant curry paste to the tender pork belly and crisp green beans, every bite is a delightful experience. Enjoy this satisfying and flavorful dish – perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion!