Ingredients:

  • 5 lbs Pork Loin or Tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • Kosher Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 6 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (divided)
  • 4 large cloves Fresh Garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice (for the sauce)
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
  • 1 lb Fresh Green Beans (Haricots Verts preferred), trimmed
  • 2 Tbsp Water or Stock
  • 1 tsp Fresh Lemon Zest
  • 2 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice (for the beans)

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Pork: Cut the pork into uniform 1-inch cubes. Pat them thoroughly dry with kitchen roll (critical for a good crust). Season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Start the Green Beans: In a separate pan, melt 1 Tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the trimmed green beans and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Finish the Beans: Add 2 Tbsp water or stock, cover the pan immediately, and steam for 3-5 minutes until the beans are bright green and crisp-tender. Uncover, remove from heat, and set aside.
  4. Sear the Pork: Place the large skillet over high heat. Add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add half the pork cubes (work in two batches to prevent crowding). Sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms on one side. Toss and continue searing until browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F / 63°C). Remove the first batch to a plate and repeat with the second batch.
  5. Create the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 4 Tbsp of unsalted butter to the pan drippings. Stir until melted.
  6. Add Garlic and Lemon: Stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant (do not let the garlic burn). Deglaze the pan with 1 Tbsp of fresh lemon juice, scraping up any brown bits.
  7. Combine: Return all the seared pork bites to the pan. Toss them vigorously in the melted garlic butter sauce until every piece is coated and glossy. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
  8. Dress the Beans: Return the green bean pan to medium heat. Add the remaining 1 Tbsp of butter, the lemon zest, and the 2 tsp of lemon juice. Toss to coat and warm through quickly (1 minute).
  9. Serve: Plate the Garlic Butter Pork Bites alongside the Zesty Lemon Green Beans immediately. Pour the leftover butter sauce from the pork pan over the top of the beans for added richness.