Introduction
Delight in a savory and fulfilling dish that blends the rich flavors of minced pork with a medley of sauces for a delectable experience. This recipe features fresh noodles complemented by crisp cucumber batons, creating a satisfying texture and taste perfect for lunch or dinner.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
400g (14 oz) minced pork (ground pork)
1½ teaspoons minced or finely chopped ginger
½ onion, finely chopped (white, brown, or yellow)
2 cucumbers, cut into batons (deseed if preferred)
1 tablespoon Chilli Bean Sauce
1 tablespoon Chinese Sweet Bean Sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 teaspoons Chinese black vinegar (Chinkiang vinegar)
1 teaspoon sugar (white or brown)
2 garlic cloves, minced
⅓ cup chicken stock/broth
700-800g (1.4 – 1.6 lb) fresh white noodles (flour noodles)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
The combination of minced pork and robust sauces creates a flavorful dish that is quick to prepare and satisfying to eat. Enjoy this delicious meal with family or friends for a comforting dining experience.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine Chilli Bean Sauce, Chinese Sweet Bean Sauce, dark soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, sugar, and minced garlic. Mix well and set aside.
Cook the Pork Mixture
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced ginger. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced pork to the pan. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked pork. Stir to combine. Add the chicken stock/broth to the pan. Stir and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Cook the Noodles
While the pork mixture is simmering, cook the fresh white noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and divide them among serving bowls.
Assemble the Dish
Spoon the pork mixture over the noodles in each bowl. Top with cucumber batons. Serve immediately.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use ground chicken or turkey instead of minced pork for a lighter option.
Adjusting Spice Level
If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of Chilli Bean Sauce or omit it altogether.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover pork mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Additional Garnishes
Feel free to add additional toppings such as chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts for extra flavor and texture.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the Chilli Bean Sauce, Chinese Sweet Bean Sauce, dark soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, sugar, and minced garlic. This creates a flavorful base for your dish.
Sautéing Aromatics
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced ginger, cooking until the onion is translucent to build depth of flavor.
Cooking the Minced Pork
Add minced pork to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, ensuring it is fully cooked before adding the sauce.
Simmering the Sauce
Once the pork is done, pour the prepared sauce over it. Stir to combine and add chicken stock. Allow the mixture to simmer until the sauce slightly thickens, enhancing the flavors.
Cooking Fresh Noodles
While the pork simmers, cook fresh white noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them and prepare for serving.
Assembling the Dish
Divide cooked noodles into bowls and top with the pork mixture. Add cucumber batons on top for freshness before serving.
FAQ
Can I substitute the minced pork with another type of meat?
Yes, you can use minced chicken, beef, or turkey as alternatives.
What if I don’t have Chilli Bean Sauce?
You can substitute it with a mixture of hoisin sauce and a dash of chili paste for similar flavors.
Can I use other types of noodles for this dish?
Yes, you can use any type of noodles, such as rice noodles or egg noodles, but be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level depends on the amount of Chilli Bean Sauce used. For a milder dish, you can reduce or omit the Chilli Bean Sauce.
How long does the prepared pork mixture last in the fridge?
It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
This dish of minced pork with fresh noodles combines robust flavors with a delightful texture, resulting in a satisfying meal. The combination of sauces creates a rich and savory flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the crunch of cucumbers. It’s an easy recipe to prepare and is sure to be a hit, whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Pork and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Stir-fry minced pork with broccoli florets, garlic, and a splash of oyster sauce for a healthy and delicious dish.
Szechuan Noodles with Pork
Use the same minced pork mixture and toss it with spicy Szechuan sauce, serving it over egg noodles or spaghetti.
Pork Fried Rice
Transform the minced pork into a fried rice dish by including cooked rice, peas, carrots, and soy sauce; this is a great way to use leftovers.
Spicy Pork Lettuce Wraps
Serve the cooked minced pork mixture in fresh lettuce leaves, topped with shredded carrots and peanuts for a light and crunchy appetizer.
Pork and Cucumber Salad
Make a refreshing salad by combining the cooked minced pork with cucumber ribbons, sesame oil, and rice vinegar for a light and zesty dish.
Pork and Noodle Soup
Use the same pork sauce and broth base, adding more vegetables and cooked noodles for a comforting soup.
Thai Basil Pork
Substitute some of the ingredients with Thai basil and chili for a fragrant and flavorful twist on the classic minced pork dish.
