Spicy Pork and Cabbage Noodles Recipe

Introduction

Spicy Pork and Cabbage Noodles is a quick and flavorful stir-fry that combines tender ground pork with crunchy cabbage and spicy, savory sauce over tender ramen noodles. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that packs a punch of umami and heat.

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with three layers: the bottom layer is yellow-brown noodles mixed with small pieces of cooked ground meat, the middle layer shows glossy cooked cabbage pieces with light green and white tones, and the top layer is sprinkled with fresh chopped green onions and cilantro leaves. The dish is served in a white bowl with black chopsticks resting on the side. In the background are small white bowls with lime wedges, red chili flakes, and fresh herbs on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces dry ramen noodles
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 4 ounces ground pork
  • 1 small yellow onion, sliced
  • ½ small green cabbage or Napa cabbage, chopped
  • 3 large cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (spicy fermented bean paste)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons mirin
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Chopped green onion, for garnish
  • Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook the ramen noodles according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat canola oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add ground pork and break it up with a spoon as it browns, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add sliced onion and chopped cabbage to the pork. Stir frequently and cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together tamari, doubanjiang, mirin, brown sugar, and sesame oil until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Stir in minced garlic and cook for one minute. Pour the sauce over the pork and vegetables, then add the cooked noodles. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil.
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for pork if preferred.
  • Use shiitake mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
  • If you can’t find doubanjiang, substitute with a mix of chili paste and a bit of miso paste for similar umami and spice.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the noodles from becoming mushy.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with stir-fried noodles that have a glossy, slightly oily texture and are golden brown in color, mixed with browned ground meat pieces and translucent cooked cabbage leaves. On top, there are scattered bright green chopped spring onions and fresh cilantro leaves. A pair of black chopsticks rests on the edge of the bowl, slightly submerged in the noodles. The bowl sits on a dark surface with a white marbled texture underneath, and small bowls with lime wedges and red chili flakes are blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free tamari and check that your ramen noodles are gluten-free, or substitute with rice noodles to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.

How spicy is this dish?

The dish has a moderate level of spiciness from the doubanjiang. You can adjust the heat by using less doubanjiang or replacing it with a milder chili paste if desired.

Print

Spicy Pork and Cabbage Noodles Recipe

Spicy Pork and Cabbage Noodles combine tender ground pork, crunchy cabbage, and quick-cooking ramen noodles in a flavorful, spicy sauce made with doubanjiang and tamari. This easy stir-fry is perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness from mirin and brown sugar, finished with nutty sesame oil and garnished with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Ideal for a quick, satisfying weeknight meal packed with vibrant flavors and textures.

  • Author: lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale

Noodles

  • 4 ounces dry ramen noodles

Protein and Vegetables

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 4 ounces ground pork
  • 1 small yellow onion, sliced
  • ½ small green cabbage or Napa cabbage, chopped
  • 3 large cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

  • ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (spicy fermented bean paste)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons mirin
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Garnish

  • Chopped green onion
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Cook the Noodles: Boil the ramen noodles according to the package directions until tender, then drain well and set aside to prevent sticking.
  2. Heat the Oil and Cook Pork: Heat canola oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add ground pork and break it up with a spatula, cooking for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  3. Add Vegetables: Add the sliced onion and chopped cabbage to the skillet with the pork. Stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften but retain some crunch.
  4. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together tamari, doubanjiang, mirin, brown sugar, and sesame oil until smooth and well combined.
  5. Add Garlic and Sauce: Stir the minced garlic into the pork and vegetable mixture and cook for an additional minute to release flavor. Pour the prepared sauce over the skillet contents, stirring to coat evenly.
  6. Toss in Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and gently toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are fully coated with the sauce and combined with the pork and vegetables.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Plate the Spicy Pork and Cabbage Noodles while hot. Garnish generously with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added freshness and crunch.

Notes

  • Use Napa cabbage for a milder, sweeter cabbage flavor and softer texture.
  • Adjust the amount of doubanjiang to control spice level according to your preference.
  • Mirin can be substituted with a mixture of rice vinegar and a small amount of sugar if unavailable.
  • Use tamari for a gluten-free option or regular soy sauce for a more traditional flavor.
  • Cook noodles just until al dente to avoid mushy texture when stir-fried.
  • For extra protein, you can add an egg fried on the side or incorporate tofu as a substitute for pork.

Keywords: spicy pork noodles, cabbage noodles, ramen stir fry, Asian stir fry, quick dinner, doubanjiang recipe, pork and cabbage stir fry

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating