Pork Belly Fried Noodles: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Pork belly fried noodles: just the name alone conjures up images of savory, satisfying comfort food, doesn’t it? Imagine perfectly chewy noodles, slicked with a rich, umami-packed sauce, punctuated by the crispy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of pork belly. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience!

Fried noodles, in their various forms, have been a staple in Asian cuisine for centuries, with each region boasting its own unique twist. While the exact origins of this particular combination are debated, the marriage of pork belly and noodles is a testament to the ingenuity of home cooks and street food vendors alike. The dish beautifully balances richness and texture, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

What makes pork belly fried noodles so irresistible? For starters, the pork belly, when cooked correctly, transforms into crispy, savory bites that add a delightful textural contrast to the soft noodles. The sauce, often a blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other seasonings, provides a deep, savory flavor that coats every strand. But beyond the taste, it’s also incredibly convenient. This is a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, familiar yet always a little bit different depending on who’s making it. So, are you ready to learn how to make this incredible dish? Let’s get started!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Pork Belly:
• 1 pound pork belly, skin on or off (your preference!), cut into ½-inch thick slices
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon five-spice powder
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• For the Noodles:
• 1 pound fresh or dried thick wheat noodles (udon or similar), if using dried, cook according to package directions
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• For the Sauce:
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• 2 tablespoons water
• For the Vegetables:
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded cabbage (napa or green)
• 4 scallions, chopped, for garnish
• Optional Garnishes:
• Sesame seeds
• Chili flakes
• Fried garlic

Preparing the Pork Belly:

Okay, let’s get started with the star of the show – the pork belly! This is where we build a ton of flavor, so don’t skip any steps.

1. Marinate the Pork: In a medium bowl, combine the pork belly slices with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), grated ginger, minced garlic, five-spice powder, and white pepper. Make sure each piece is nicely coated. Let this marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for a couple of hours in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!
2. Sear the Pork Belly: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated pork belly slices in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan). Sear the pork belly for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it’s nicely browned and crispy. We’re looking for that beautiful caramelization!
3. Remove and Set Aside: Once the pork belly is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t discard the rendered fat in the pan – we’ll use that to cook the vegetables later!
4. Slice the Pork Belly: After the pork belly has cooled slightly, slice it into bite-sized pieces. This will make it easier to incorporate into the noodles later.

Preparing the Noodles and Sauce:

While the pork belly is marinating or resting, let’s get the noodles and sauce ready. This will streamline the cooking process later on.

1. Cook the Noodles: If you’re using dried noodles, cook them according to the package directions. Fresh noodles usually only need a quick blanch in boiling water. Be careful not to overcook them – we want them to be al dente, with a slight bite.
2. Toss with Sesame Oil: Once the noodles are cooked, drain them well and toss them with sesame oil. This will prevent them from sticking together and add a lovely nutty flavor. Set the noodles aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, white pepper, and water. Make sure the sugar is dissolved. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more sugar for sweetness or rice vinegar for tanginess. This sauce is the key to the dish’s umami flavor!

Cooking the Vegetables:

Now, let’s get those veggies nice and tender. This step adds freshness and texture to the dish.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet or wok you used to cook the pork belly (with the rendered fat still in it – yum!), heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Add the Bell Peppers and Cabbage: Add the sliced bell peppers and shredded cabbage to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.

Bringing It All Together:

This is the exciting part – where all the individual components come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal!

1. Add the Pork Belly: Add the sliced pork belly to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together to combine.
2. Pour in the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the pork belly and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
3. Add the Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce and the pork belly and vegetables are evenly distributed.
4. Cook and Toss: Continue to cook and toss the noodles for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve the pork belly fried noodles immediately. Garnish with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, chili flakes, and fried garlic (if using).

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the pork belly, make sure to do it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and prevent the pork belly from browning properly.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: The sauce is the heart of this dish, so feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more sugar. If you prefer a tangier sauce, add more rice vinegar.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish. Look for good-quality pork belly, fresh noodles, and flavorful sauces.
• Get Creative with the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as mushrooms, bok choy, or carrots.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the dish.

Variations:

• Chicken or Shrimp: If you’re not a fan of pork belly, you can substitute it with chicken or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, use tofu or tempeh instead of pork belly. You can also add more vegetables, such as mushrooms and broccoli.
• Different Noodles: Feel free to experiment with different types of noodles, such as ramen noodles or soba noodles.

Enjoy your homemade Pork Belly Fried Noodles! I hope you find this recipe as delicious and satisfying as I do. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Pork Belly Fried Noodles recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The crispy, savory pork belly combined with the perfectly stir-fried noodles and vibrant vegetables creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. I truly believe this dish is a must-try for anyone who appreciates bold flavors and satisfying comfort food.

Why is it a must-try, you ask? Because it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily adapt it to your own preferences and dietary needs. Not a fan of bok choy? Swap it out for some broccoli or spinach. Want to add a little heat? A dash of chili oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will do the trick. The possibilities are endless!

Beyond the adaptability, the sheer deliciousness of this dish is undeniable. The pork belly, rendered to crispy perfection, provides a rich, umami flavor that permeates every bite. The noodles, coated in a savory sauce, offer a satisfying chewiness that complements the crispy pork. And the vegetables add a touch of freshness and vibrancy that balances the richness of the dish. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, packed with flavor and texture.

Serving suggestions? Oh, I have plenty! For a complete meal, serve this Pork Belly Fried Noodles with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables. The acidity of the kimchi will cut through the richness of the pork belly and cleanse your palate. You could also add a fried egg on top for extra protein and richness. The runny yolk will coat the noodles and add another layer of flavor.

Looking for variations? Consider adding some shrimp or chicken to the stir-fry for a different protein option. You could also experiment with different types of noodles, such as udon or soba noodles. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the vegetables! Add some mushrooms, bell peppers, or even some edamame for extra nutrients and flavor.

But honestly, the best way to experience this dish is to simply make it yourself. Don’t be intimidated by the seemingly long list of ingredients. Most of them are pantry staples, and the cooking process is surprisingly straightforward. Just follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a delicious and satisfying meal that you’ll be proud to share with your friends and family.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I’m practically begging you to try it! Seriously, you won’t regret it. And once you do, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? Did you add any special ingredients? What did your family and friends think?

Please, please, please share your photos and stories with me! You can tag me on social media using [Your Social Media Handle] or leave a comment below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking, and enjoy your Pork Belly Fried Noodles! I hope this becomes a regular in your meal rotation, just like it has in mine. Let me know what you think!