Five-Spice Pork and Beans

A comforting and flavorful twist on a classic, this dish features savory ground pork simmered with kidney beans in a rich, aromatic sauce infused with Chinese five-spice powder, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness from hoisin. Perfect for a weeknight meal with a unique global flair.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Total Time: 40 min
Servings: 4
Chinese

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground pork (lean or regular)
  • 1 piece Yellow onion (medium, finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh ginger (grated)
  • 2 cans Canned kidney beans (15-ounce each, rinsed and drained)
  • 3 tbsp Soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp Hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp Rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
  • 1 cup Chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp Water (for cornstarch slurry)
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 2 stalks Scallions (sliced, for garnish)
  • 1 tsp Sesame seeds (toasted, for garnish (optional))

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

    Time: 7 min
  2. 2.

    Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the pork and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

    Time: 5 min
  3. 3.

    Stir in the rinsed and drained kidney beans, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, five-spice powder, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

    Time: 3 min
  4. 4.

    Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to absorb some of the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

    Time: 12 min
  5. 5.

    In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Uncover the skillet, increase the heat to medium, and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

    Time: 2 min
  6. 6.

    Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Garnish with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds, if using. Serve hot, perhaps with steamed rice or crusty bread.

    Time: 1 min

Tips

  • 💡For an extra kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other sauces.
  • 💡If you prefer a sweeter profile, you can add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar or honey to the sauce.
  • 💡This dish reheats well, making it great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Recipe from TheCookbook.ai

Created by Shannon Williams