Garlic Butter Pork Bites with Lemon Green Beans

Garlic Butter Pork Bites with Lemon Green Beans is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal that’s packed with protein and fresh flavors. Tender, juicy pork bites are seared to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce, then paired with crisp-tender green beans tossed with zesty lemon. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and requires minimal prep while delivering maximum taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• One-Pan Meal – Less cleanup and more convenience.
• Packed with Flavor – Garlic butter sauce enhances the juicy pork, while lemon brightens up the green beans.
• Versatile – Easily customizable with different seasonings or proteins.
• Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – A great option for a healthy, balanced meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pork tenderloin or pork loin, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Fresh green beans, trimmed
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Pork Bites – Season the pork pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear the Pork – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork bites in a single layer and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Green Beans – In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil and the trimmed green beans. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Add Garlic Butter – Reduce the heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Finish with Lemon Juice – Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the green beans, then return the pork bites to the pan. Toss everything together and cook for another minute to blend flavors.
6. Serve & Garnish – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes for extra heat. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add Cheese – Sprinkle Parmesan or feta over the pork and green beans before serving.
• Extra Veggies – Mix in mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for more color and nutrients.
• Spicy Version – Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne.
• Different Protein – Swap pork for chicken breast, shrimp, or beef bites.
• Herb Boost – Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil for an aromatic touch.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the pork moist.
• Freeze: Not recommended, as the texture of the green beans may become mushy.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of pork for this recipe?

Pork tenderloin is ideal because it’s lean and tender, but pork loin or boneless pork chops also work well.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, but fresh green beans have a better texture. If using frozen, thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

How do I prevent the pork bites from drying out?

Avoid overcooking—pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, replace butter with more olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.

What’s the best way to add more flavor?

Marinate the pork in a mix of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

How do I make this a complete meal?

Serve over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a more filling dish.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes! Cook the pork and green beans ahead of time, then store them separately in meal prep containers for easy reheating.

What’s a good side dish for this meal?

A simple salad, roasted sweet potatoes, or garlic bread pairs well with this dish.

Can I cook this in the oven instead of the stovetop?

Yes, roast the pork bites at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes and sauté the green beans separately.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! It’s naturally low in carbs, making it a great option for a keto meal.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Pork Bites with Lemon Green Beans is a fast, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy nights. The juicy pork combined with buttery garlic and zesty green beans makes for a satisfying dish that everyone will love. Try it tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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