Noodles With Ground Pork And Peanut Sauce Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it perfectly combines savory and nutty flavors with just the right amount of heat from the optional red pepper flakes. Plus, it’s super satisfying to whip up a delicious meal that feels fancy but is actually so simple and quick to make—a total win for my busy lifestyle!

This Noodles With Ground Pork And Peanut Sauce dish combines wholesome ingredients and even bolder flavors. My favorite part is the creamy peanut sauce, which gets its big flavor mostly from the peanut butter, soy sauce, and soy sauce but also from the hint of ginger I like to include.

Ground pork is what I call a “good” protein, and noodles are just somehow satisfying and filling regardless of the situation. Oh, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and some roasted, salted peanuts up the crunchy factor by at least 300 percent.

Ingredients

• Ground Pork: Protein-rich meat, adds savory depth and flavor.
• Noodles: Carbohydrate base, absorbs sauce flavors beautifully.
• Peanut Butter: Creamy texture, nutty flavor, provides healthy fats.
• Soy Sauce: Umami flavor, saltiness boosts taste profile.
• Hoisin Sauce: Sweet and tangy, enhances dish complexity.
• Ginger: Spicy warmth, aids digestion, adds fresh complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional heat, adds a spicy kick.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb (450g) ground pork
• 12 oz (340g) noodles of choice (e.g., rice noodles or spaghetti)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the noodles as per the directions on the package until they have achieved the desired firmness (al dente). Drain the noodles and set them aside until needed.

2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, peanut butter, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and chicken or vegetable stock. Whisk together until completely smooth, then set the sauce aside.

3. In a big frying pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Mix in the minced garlic and the grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until good smells are coming from the pan.

4. Put the ground pork in the frying pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Fry until it is browned and completely cooked, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Place the cooked pork in a mixing bowl. Pour the peanut sauce over the pork and mix well to combine. Return the mixture to the stove and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens up a little bit.

6. If using, stir in the red pepper flakes for an added kick.

7. Combine the noodles and sauce in a skillet. Stir until the sauce thoroughly coats the noodles and distributes the pork throughout.

8. Adjust taste and seasoning as needed, with salt, for example.

9. Serve the hot noodles, garnished with the following, if desired:

• Sliced scallions (green onions)

• Chopped roasted peanuts

• Fresh cilantro (coriander)

10. Savor your tasty dish as either an up-front main course or a stealthy delicious side! You can enjoy it with your next meal in one of two ways. Here are the dishes:

Aloo Gobi: Spiced Potatoes and Cauliflower
Chole: Chickpeas with Spice
Palak Paneer: Creamy Spinach with Cheese

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot (for boiling noodles)
2. Strainer or colander (for draining noodles)
3. Small mixing bowl (for sauce preparation)
4. Whisk (for mixing sauce)
5. Large frying pan or wok (for cooking pork and combining ingredients)
6. Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring and breaking up the meat)
7. Knife (for mincing garlic and slicing scallions)
8. Grater (for grating ginger)
9. Measuring spoons (for measuring sauce ingredients)
10. Measuring cup (for broth)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork?In this recipe, it is permissible to use ground chicken, turkey, or beef instead of the called-for ground pork.
• What type of noodles work best for this dish?Rice noodles, spaghetti, or any long pasta you prefer can be used.
• Is there an alternative to peanut butter for those with allergies?Substitutes for sunflower seed butter include almond butter.
• How spicy is this dish?You can increase or decrease the amount of red pepper flakes you use to make the dish spicier or milder, respectively. The dish’s heat is definitely not in the “nine kinds of saints” level, but there is sufficient heat to remind you that you are indeed eating a dish with chile in it.
• Can I make this dish vegetarian?Certainly, instead of the ground pork, you can use tofu or tempeh; substitute that for the ground pork. Then, instead of broth made with meat, use broth made with vegetables. That’s how you can make this recipe vegetarian.
• How can I store leftovers?Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, as long as they are in an airtight container. When it’s time to eat them, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?A mixture of soy sauce and a bit of sugar can serve as a substitute.

Substitutions and Variations

You can use ground chicken or turkey in place of ground pork.
If you want a different nutty flavor, you can substitute almond or cashew butter for peanut butter.
Rice vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or lime juice.
In place of vegetable oil, one may use olive oil or grapeseed oil.
If using cilantro is not desired, freshly chopped parsley can take its place.

Pro Tips

1. Toast the Peanuts For enhanced flavor, toast the chopped peanuts in a dry pan over medium heat until they’re golden and fragrant. This will add a deeper, nutty flavor and delightful crunch to your dish.

2. Use Fresh Noodles If possible, use fresh noodles instead of dried ones. Fresh noodles tend to have a better texture and can absorb flavors more effectively. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. Customize the Spice Level You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. For a milder dish, use less or omit them entirely; for extra heat, add a little sriracha or chili paste.

4. Let the Sauce Marinate After mixing the peanut sauce with the cooked pork, allow it to marinate for a few minutes off the heat. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken properly, enhancing the overall taste.

5. Add Vegetables Boost the nutritional value by adding some quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy. Stir-fry them with the garlic and ginger before adding the pork for an added crunch and freshness.