Savory Pork Belly and Udon Stir-Fry
Savory Pork Belly and Udon Stir-Fry
Super Simple Pork Belly & Udon Stir-Fry: Perfect for a Quick Snack!
Craving a late-night snack? Whip up this unbelievably easy and delicious sweet and savory pork belly and udon stir-fry using frozen pork belly and udon noodles! It’s also a fantastic option for a light dinner or a side dish to enjoy with rice.
Main Ingredients- 500g Frozen Pork Belly Slices: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and excellent sauce absorption.
- 2 portions Udon Noodles: Adds a chewy texture and satisfying bulk to the dish.
- 1 Onion: Provides sweetness and depth of flavor. Feel free to add other leftover vegetables too!
- 1 Green Onion (Scallion): Offers a fresh, aromatic flavor. Slice diagonally.
- 2 handfuls Bean Sprouts: For a delightful crispness and fresh element. Rinse them well.
Special Sauce- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce: The base for a rich, umami flavor.
- 1.5 Tbsp Oyster Sauce: Enhances savory notes and adds a complex, seafood-like depth.
- 4 Tbsp Oligosaccharide (or sugar): For a glossy finish and adjustable sweetness.
- 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic: Adds a pungent aroma and zesty flavor.
- 5 Tbsp Mirin (Sweet Rice Wine): Helps tenderize and remove any gamey odors from the pork.
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil: For a finishing nutty aroma.
- 0.5 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
- 1 tsp Black Pepper: Provides a hint of spice and aroma.
- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce: The base for a rich, umami flavor.
- 1.5 Tbsp Oyster Sauce: Enhances savory notes and adds a complex, seafood-like depth.
- 4 Tbsp Oligosaccharide (or sugar): For a glossy finish and adjustable sweetness.
- 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic: Adds a pungent aroma and zesty flavor.
- 5 Tbsp Mirin (Sweet Rice Wine): Helps tenderize and remove any gamey odors from the pork.
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil: For a finishing nutty aroma.
- 0.5 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
- 1 tsp Black Pepper: Provides a hint of spice and aroma.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Before you begin, let’s gather all our ingredients. Have your frozen pork belly slices, 2 portions of udon noodles, fresh bean sprouts, and your sliced onion and green onion ready. Don’t hesitate to toss in any leftover vegetables from your fridge for extra flavor and color!
Step 2
In a large bowl, place the frozen pork belly slices. Pour over about 5 tablespoons of mirin (or your chosen substitute) – enough to lightly coat the meat. Gently toss the pork to ensure the mirin is evenly distributed. Let it marinate for about 5 minutes to help remove any porky odor. If you don’t have mirin, 3 tablespoons of cooking wine, sake, or even soju will work well!
Step 3
While the pork is marinating, let’s quickly mix our flavor-packed sauce. In a separate small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1.5 tablespoons of oyster sauce, and 4 tablespoons of oligosaccharide (or sugar). Stir well until everything is combined. (We’ll add the minced garlic, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and pepper later in the cooking process).
Step 4
Once the sauce is ready, wash and prepare your vegetables. Slice the onion into thin strips and the green onion diagonally. Give the bean sprouts a good rinse under cold water and drain them thoroughly.
Step 5
Heat a skillet or wok over medium-low heat and add a splash of cooking oil. Add the 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and the sliced green onions. Stir-fry gently until the garlic is fragrant and the green onions have softened slightly, releasing their aromatic oils. This step is key for building a foundation of flavor.
Step 6
Now, add the mirin-marinated pork belly slices to the pan. Turn the heat up to medium and stir-fry the pork, breaking it apart with your spatula or tongs so it doesn’t clump. As the pork starts to cook and brown, pour in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Continue stir-frying until the pork is mostly cooked through.
Step 7
While the pork is cooking, let’s get the udon noodles ready. Boil a pot of water and add the udon noodles. Gently separate the noodles to prevent them from sticking together. You only need to loosen them, not fully cook them – about 30 seconds to 1 minute should be enough. Drain them once they’ve loosened.
Step 8
When the pork is about halfway cooked, pour in the prepared sauce mixture from step 2. Add the sliced onions and the rinsed bean sprouts to the pan. Stir-fry vigorously over high heat until the vegetables are tender-crisp and the pork is nicely coated in the sauce. Now, add the loosened udon noodles. Continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring the noodles are well coated with the sauce and heated through. A little tip: The bean sprouts and udon will release some moisture, so I initially made the sauce a bit saltier. Taste as you go, and if it’s too salty, you can add a splash of water or more bean sprouts to balance the flavor.
Step 9
And there you have it – a delicious Pork Belly and Udon Stir-Fry! I made a generous portion here, but feel free to adjust the quantities to your liking. Enjoy this fantastic dish as a satisfying snack or a delightful meal. Enjoy your cooking! ♥
