Chinese Pork with Noodles ("Chinese Bolognese")
User Reviews
5
Chinese Pork with Noodles ("Chinese Bolognese")
Description
This recipe uses fresh white flour noodles, chosen for their dense texture that holds sauces well. The pork is stir-fried with aromatics like garlic, ginger, and onion before combining with a sauce made from chicken stock, chili bean sauce (doubanjiang), sweet bean sauce, dark soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, and sugar. The sauce thickens slightly during cooking, coating the pork with a rich and layered flavor.
The noodles are either soaked or boiled according to instructions and optionally tossed with vegetable oil and vinegar to prevent sticking and add a subtle tang. The dish is garnished with fresh coriander leaves and served alongside cucumber batons and chili sauce to provide fresh crunch and customizable heat.
This bowl works as a hearty noodle meal with a flavorful meat sauce that resembles Italian Bolognese but with savory Chinese seasonings. It is best eaten by mixing noodles and pork together and adding chili paste to taste. The texture contrasts tender pork with chewy noodles and crisp cucumber.
Ingredient substitutions can be made for convenience, such as balsamic vinegar for Chinese black vinegar or using hoisin sauce instead of sweet bean sauce. The chili bean sauce can be replicated with miso and spicy chili paste if unavailable. Noodle types can be adapted to preference but fresh white flour noodles are ideal for authenticity and texture.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 700 - 800 g / 1.4 - 1.6 lb white noodles (flour noodles), fresh (Note 1)
- 2 tsp vegetable oil
- 2 tsp Chinese black vinegar (Chinkiang vinegar)* (Note 2)
Sauce
- 1/3 cup chicken stock or broth
- 1 tbsp chilli bean sauce (Note 3)
- 1 tbsp Chinese sweet bean sauce (Note 4)
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (Note 5)
- 2 tsp Chinese black vinegar (Chinkiang vinegar)* (Note 2)
- 1 tsp sugar (white or brown)
Stir Fry
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 1/2 tsp ginger , minced or finely chopped
- 1/2 onion , finely chopped (white, brown or yellow)
- 400 g / 14 oz pork ground pork, minced
To Serve
- 2 cucumber cut into batons (deseed if you can be bothered, I don't!
- Chinese chilli sauce (Note 6)
- Coriander aka cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Mix Sauce ingredients together.
- Prepare noodles according to packet directions. If it says to soak the noodles, you can do that while cooking the stir fry.
- Optional: Just before serving, toss the noodles with oil and vinegar.*
- Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium high heat. Add onions and cook for 1 minute. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute or until onion is translucent.
- Add pork and cook, breaking it up as you go, until browned.
- Add sauce and cook for 3 - 5 minutes, or until most of the sauce has reduced.
- Divide noodles between bowls. Top with pork, coriander and fresh cucumbers on the side.
- To eat, mix up the noodles and pork. I use chopsticks and a spoon - so it's easier to get the pork and noodles in one mouthful. Don't hold back on the chilli paste! It goes great with this dish!
Notes
- Traditional flour noodles (white, not egg or rice noodles) provide the authentic texture; fresh Asian grocery store noodles or supermarket udon noodles work well.
- Chinese black vinegar (Chinkiang vinegar) can be substituted with balsamic vinegar when unavailable.
- Chili bean sauce (doubanjiang) adds key spicy, savory notes; if unavailable, mix 2 teaspoons miso with 2 teaspoons spicy chili paste.
- Chinese sweet bean sauce is sweet and made from soybeans; hoisin sauce is a suitable alternative.
- Use dark soy sauce for a stronger flavor and darker color, available in Asian grocery stores.
- The cucumbers and chili sauce serve as fresh and spicy accompaniments to balance the savory pork and noodles.
- Recipe yields a large amount of noodles as fresh white noodles are dense; quantity can be adjusted accordingly.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3- 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 475 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 470g | |
| Calories | 475cal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 53.2g | 18% |
| Protein | 35.5g | 71% |
| Fat | 13.2g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 3.1g | 16% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10.1g | 59% |
| Cholesterol | 123mg | 41% |
| Sodium | 518mg | 22% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 5.5g | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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