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This spicy pork noodle dish has become my go-to recipe for hectic weeknights when time is short but flavor cravings are high. The combination of tender pork, slightly sweet sauce with a kick of heat, and chewy ramen noodles creates a restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes.
I first created this recipe after a particularly exhausting workday when I discovered a lone pork tenderloin in the fridge. What started as a desperate dinner solution has become our family's most requested meal, especially when my teenagers have friends over.
Ingredients
- Pork tenderloin: 1 pound thinly sliced for quick cooking and maximum tenderness
- Brown sugar: 1/4 cup creates caramelization and balances the spice
- Soy sauce: 1/2 cup provides the umami foundation of the sauce
- Chili garlic sauce: 1 to 2 tablespoons adjust according to your heat preference
- Ramen noodles: 2 packages perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce
- Green onions: sliced for a fresh bright finish
- Oil: 1 tablespoon use a neutral oil with high smoke point
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the noodles:
- Bring water to a boil in a medium pot. Add the ramen noodles discarding the flavor packets. Cook for exactly 3 minutes the noodles should be just tender but still have some bite. Drain immediately and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking. This prevents them from becoming soggy when added to the sauce.
- Cook the pork:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers. Add the thinly sliced pork tenderloin in a single layer giving pieces room to brown. Cook for about 2 3 minutes until the edges begin to caramelize. The caramelization creates depth of flavor that makes this dish exceptional.
- Create the sauce:
- Add brown sugar soy sauce and chili garlic sauce to the skillet with the pork. Stir thoroughly to combine making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to medium low and allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. This reduction concentrates the flavors.
- Combine and finish:
- Add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet with the pork and sauce. Use tongs to toss everything together until the noodles are thoroughly coated with the glossy sauce. Sprinkle generously with sliced green onions and serve immediately while piping hot.
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My favorite thing about this recipe is its versatility. My son loves it with extra chili sauce while my daughter prefers hers with steamed broccoli mixed in. The first time I made it for my husband he ate two full servings and then asked if we could have it again the next night which is rare praise indeed.
Vegetable Additions
This noodle dish welcomes countless vegetable additions that cook quickly alongside the pork. Thinly sliced bell peppers snap peas or asparagus pieces can be added when the pork is nearly cooked. For leafy greens like spinach or bok choy simply toss them in during the final minute of cooking until just wilted. The sauce coats everything beautifully creating a complete one pan meal.
Make Ahead Options
While best enjoyed fresh this dish can be partially prepped ahead to make dinner even faster. Slice the pork tenderloin up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. The sauce ingredients can be measured and combined in a small container ready to pour. With these components prepared dinner can be on the table in under 10 minutes perfect for those especially hectic evenings.
Leftovers Transformation
Should you have leftovers which rarely happens in my house they transform beautifully for lunch the next day. The noodles absorb more of the sauce overnight intensifying the flavors. Try serving cold or at room temperature as a noodle salad with a squeeze of lime and additional fresh green onions. For a completely different meal stuff the mixture into lettuce cups for spicy pork wraps.
Spice Level Customization
The beauty of making this dish at home is controlling the exact level of heat. For those who enjoy intense spice increase the chili garlic sauce to 3 tablespoons or add a teaspoon of Korean gochujang paste. For a milder family friendly version use just 1 teaspoon of chili garlic sauce and serve additional sauce on the side for adults. The sweet soy base remains delicious regardless of the spice level.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use other types of pork instead of tenderloin?
Yes! While tenderloin is ideal for its quick cooking time and tenderness, you can substitute pork loin, shoulder (cut into thin strips), or even ground pork. Leftover cooked pork works perfectly too - just add it at the end with the sauce to warm through.
- → How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is adjustable based on your preference. Using 1 tablespoon of chili garlic sauce creates a mild-medium heat, while 2 tablespoons delivers a more pronounced kick. Start with less and add more to taste if you're sensitive to spice.
- → What vegetables pair well with these noodles?
Green beans and asparagus work wonderfully as mentioned, but other great options include snap peas, broccoli florets, bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby bok choy. For quick-cooking vegetables, add them during the last few minutes of simmering.
- → Can I use different noodles instead of ramen?
Absolutely! While ramen noodles cook quickly and absorb the sauce well, you can substitute rice noodles, udon, soba, egg noodles, or even spaghetti. Just adjust cooking times according to package directions for your chosen noodle.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth before microwaving to loosen the sauce, as noodles tend to absorb liquid while storing. Reheat gently to prevent overcooking the pork.
- → Where can I find chili garlic sauce?
Chili garlic sauce is typically found in the Asian or international foods section of most grocery stores. Popular brands include Huy Fong (with a green cap) and Lee Kum Kee. If unavailable, you can substitute sriracha mixed with a minced garlic clove, or sambal oelek with added garlic.