Easy & Flavorful Garlic Soy Braised Pork with Green Beans: Your New Weeknight Favorite!
Looking for a cozy, deeply flavorful dinner that’s surprisingly quick to make? This super easy garlic and soy braised pork with tender green beans is the ultimate comfort food for any day, especially a chilly one. Featuring succulent, bite-sized pork simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce and served with fresh green beans, this dish delivers a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will adore. It’s a perfect blend of savory and subtly sweet, making it an instant classic for your dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic and Soy Pork Recipe
This garlic soy braised pork recipe isn’t just another dinner idea; it’s a culinary revelation designed to bring maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Inspired by beloved family recipes, this streamlined version captures all the rich, slow-cooked taste in a fraction of the time. Here’s why it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen:
- Effortlessly Quick Braise: While traditional braises can take hours, this recipe is ready in just about 35 minutes of simmering. The secret lies in cutting the pork into bite-sized pieces, allowing it to cook faster and absorb all the wonderful flavors from the garlic soy sauce. This makes it an ideal candidate for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty but don’t have all day to cook.
- Explosively Flavorful: Each tender piece of pork is permeated with a savory-sweet garlic soy glaze. The smaller cuts ensure that every bite is bursting with taste, creating a truly satisfying experience. The balance of garlic, soy, mirin, and brown sugar creates a complex profile that is both comforting and incredibly delicious. You’ll be amazed at how much flavor is packed into this dish!
- Perfectly Balanced Meal: This recipe pairs the robust flavors of the braised pork with a light, fresh side of green beans and a bed of fluffy rice. The mildness of the vegetables and rice provides the perfect counterpoint to the rich pork, ensuring no competing flavors. Plus, the delectable sauce can be drizzled over the rice and green beans, tying the entire dish together beautifully and adding another layer of taste.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. It’s incredibly easy to make a larger batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Simple storage and reheating instructions make it a true hero for anyone looking to save time without sacrificing quality.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something inherently comforting about braised meat, especially when it’s simmered in a fragrant sauce. This garlic soy pork delivers that cozy, heartwarming feeling, perfect for warding off the chill on a cold day or simply enjoying a satisfying homemade meal.
🥘 Ingredients Needed
Gathering your ingredients for this flavorful braised pork is straightforward. Many of these items are likely already in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing meal:
- Pork: For this recipe, I recommend using boneless pork loin center and rib chops. Cutting them into bite-sized pieces is crucial for quicker cooking and better flavor absorption. Pork shoulder (butt) is also an excellent alternative if you prefer, offering a slightly richer texture when braised.
- Green Beans: Fresh or frozen green beans work wonderfully here. Frozen green beans are a convenient option that requires minimal prep and delivers consistent results, making your dinner even easier.
- Garlic: This recipe calls for a generous amount of minced garlic – and truly, the more the better! Garlic is a foundational flavor, providing a pungent, aromatic base for the sauce.
- Soy Sauce: The cornerstone of our savory sauce. Opt for a low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness, allowing you to season the dish to your preference without it becoming overly salty.
- Mirin: A subtly sweet Japanese rice wine. Mirin is essential for balancing the salty notes of the soy sauce and adding a touch of complexity and gloss to the braising liquid. Don’t skip it if you can help it!
- Brown Sugar: This ingredient is key for building the signature sweet and savory profile of the dish. It contributes a gentle sweetness that complements the soy and garlic without being overwhelming, leading to a beautifully caramelized sauce.
- Olive Oil: Used for searing the pork to create a flavorful crust before braising. Any neutral cooking oil will work.
- Water: To create the braising liquid and allow the pork to tenderize perfectly.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the green beans and adjusting the overall taste of the dish.
🔪 Instructions
Creating this delicious garlic soy braised pork is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a hearty and flavorful dinner ready in no time!
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar with half a cup of water. Whisk everything together until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is well-combined. Set this flavorful mixture aside. This will be your braising liquid.
- Sear the Pork: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan or pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the bite-sized pork pieces. Sear each side for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until nicely browned. This step is crucial for developing a rich, caramelized flavor (Maillard reaction) that adds depth to your final dish. Avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if necessary to ensure proper searing.
- Braise the Pork: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the seared pork in the pan. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let the pork braise for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. During this time, the pork will become incredibly tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
- Prepare the Green Beans: While the pork is braising, quickly blanch or sauté your green beans. For blanching, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the green beans, and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking. For sautéing, heat a little olive oil in a pan, add the green beans, and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish and Serve: Once the pork has braised for 35 minutes, check the sauce. It should have reduced and thickened into a luscious glaze, coating the pork beautifully. If it’s too thin, remove the lid and increase the heat slightly, simmering until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve the garlic soy braised pork hot alongside your prepared green beans and a generous portion of steamed rice. Enjoy your hearty, homemade meal!
👪 FAQs About Garlic Soy Braised Pork
Got questions about making this delicious braised pork? We’ve got answers to help you perfect your dish and troubleshoot any queries:
Absolutely! While boneless pork loin chops work wonderfully for their quick cooking time and tenderness, pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) is an excellent alternative. If using pork shoulder, you might need to increase the braising time slightly to ensure it becomes fork-tender, as it’s a tougher cut. Cut it into similar bite-sized pieces for best results.
Yes, you certainly can! This braised pork actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. Cooked pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.
While you can substitute brown sugar with other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup if you prefer, omitting all sugars will significantly alter the flavor profile of this dish. The brown sugar provides a crucial balance to the savory soy sauce and garlic, adding a delightful sweetness and contributing to the beautiful glaze. If you must reduce sugar, start with a smaller amount and taste before adding more.
This recipe was specifically developed for stovetop braising, which allows for quicker cooking due to the direct heat and smaller pork pieces. We haven’t tested it for the oven, so for guaranteed results and optimal tenderness within the specified timeframe, we highly recommend sticking to the stovetop instructions.
Mirin adds a unique sweetness and umami depth. If you don’t have it, a good substitute would be dry sherry or white wine mixed with a pinch of sugar (about ½ teaspoon sugar per tablespoon of wine). Rice vinegar with a bit of sugar can also work in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly tangier.
While this recipe focuses on green beans as a fresh side, you can absolutely add other quick-cooking vegetables like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even carrots (cut into thin rounds) to the braising liquid during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. This will infuse them with the delicious sauce and add more texture and nutrients to your meal.
💭 Top Tips for Perfect Garlic Soy Braised Pork
Achieve consistently delicious results with these expert tips, ensuring your garlic soy braised pork turns out perfectly every time:
- Smart Storage for Leftovers: Leftovers are fantastic! Store any remaining braised pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For optimal flavor and texture, I love to use containers with separate compartments so the rich sauce stays beautifully coating the pork, ready for easy reheating.
- Freezing for Future Meals: This recipe is incredibly freezer-friendly. You can easily double the batch and freeze half for another busy day. Simply allow the cooked pork and sauce to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan When Searing: When browning the pork, ensure you don’t overcrowd the pan. If there are too many pieces of pork, the temperature of the pan will drop, and the pork will steam instead of sear. Searing in batches ensures that each piece gets a beautiful, golden-brown crust, which adds a crucial layer of flavor to the braise.
- Stir Regularly Towards the End: As the braising sauce reduces and thickens, it becomes more prone to sticking and burning. Near the end of the 35-minute simmering time, make sure to stir the pork and sauce more frequently. This prevents the sauce from burning onto the bottom of the pot and ensures a smooth, luscious glaze.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: The amount of brown sugar can be adjusted based on your preference. Start with 1 tablespoon and taste the sauce after it has simmered for a bit. If you desire a sweeter profile, add the second tablespoon or even a little more, dissolving it completely.
- Enhance with Fresh Aromatics: For an extra layer of freshness and zing, consider adding a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger along with the garlic to the sauce mixture. This complements the garlic and soy beautifully.
- Garnish for Visual Appeal and Flavor: Before serving, sprinkle some sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish. This not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, aromatic finish that elevates the overall experience.
📖 Delicious Variations to Try
This garlic soy braised pork is incredibly versatile, allowing for several delicious variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Add a Kick of Heat: If you love a bit of spice, incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or your favorite chili garlic sauce into the braising liquid. Adjust the amount to achieve your desired level of heat. Red pepper flakes can also be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Boost the Protein: For an additional protein boost that also soaks up the incredible flavors, add peeled hard-boiled eggs to braise alongside the pork during the last 15-20 minutes. Tofu cubes (pan-fried first for texture) or even some firm fish fillets (added during the last 10 minutes) would also be fantastic.
- Alternate Vegetables: While green beans are a perfect pairing, feel free to serve this dish with a variety of other vegetables. Steamed or roasted broccoli, cauliflower florets, snap peas, sliced carrots, or sautéed mushrooms all make excellent choices. You could also lightly steam asparagus or bok choy.
- Different Grains and Carbs: Beyond classic white rice, this flavorful pork pairs wonderfully with other grains like quinoa, brown rice, or even farro. For a comforting twist, serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, or even fluffy polenta. You can also turn it into a noodle dish by serving it over ramen or udon noodles.
- Citrus Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice right before serving can add a bright, zesty contrast to the rich, savory sauce.
- Nutty Finish: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds over the top adds a lovely nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
🥗 Suggested Side Dishes
Round out your meal with these delicious side dishes that perfectly complement the rich flavors of the braised pork without overpowering it. They offer a great balance and add to the overall satisfaction of your dinner!
🍞 Additional Entrée Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this flavorful braised pork, you might be looking for more delicious and easy dinner ideas. Here are a few more entrée recipes from our collection that are perfect for any night of the week and are sure to please your palate!
- Chicken Potato Bake
- Brazilian Fish Stew
- Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas
Simple Braised Garlic and Soy Pork: A Recipe to Cherish
This easy garlic and soy braised pork with green beans is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings rich flavors and warmth to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, this recipe is designed for success, delivering tender, flavorful pork every time. We hope you and your family enjoy this hearty dinner as much as we do!
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Braised Garlic and Soy Pork
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Ingredients
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon mirin
- 1-2 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1-2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 lbs pork loin cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 lb green beans
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar with half a cup of water and set aside.5 cloves garlic, ½ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoon mirin, 1-2 tablespoon brown sugar, ½ cup water
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In a frying pan or pot, on medium heat, add the olive oil to it and the pork bites. Sear each side until browned, around 2-3 minutes per side.1-2 tablespoon olive oil, 2 lbs pork loin
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Add in the sauce that was set aside earlier. Bring the pot up to a boil and then lower it to a simmer for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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While the pork is braising, quickly blanche or sauté the green beans. Salt and pepper to taste.1 lb green beans, salt and pepper to taste
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Once the sauce mixture has reduced to a thick sauce, you’re ready to serve.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Leftovers can also be frozen or you can double this recipe and freeze the second batch for later. Just thaw in the fridge the night before and reheat as you would anything else.
- Brown the pork in two batches if needed. If the pot is overcrowded, the pork will take longer to brown and might end up steaming instead of searing.
- Keep an eye on and stir the pork more often nearing the end of the braising as the sauce will have thickened and you don’t want it to burn.
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Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
Carmy is the blogger behind Carmyy.com and Onepotonly.com where she shares simple delicious recipes that are family friendly and easy to make! You can find her on Instagram and TikTok when she’s not on her blog!