Sweet and Spicy Pork Noodles

This recipe for Sweet and Spicy Pork Noodles is a fantastic quick meal that’s packed with flavor. It’s a classic take on Dan Dan Noodles, simplified for easy home cooking.

Here’s a delicious and balanced recipe you can whip up in about 30 minutes.

Sweet and Spicy Pork Noodles

This dish features a savory, ground pork topping with a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and umami flavors, all tossed with your favorite noodles.

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Pork Topping:

• 1 lb ground pork

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

• 4 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)

• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like avocado or canola)

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari)

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup)

• 1-2 tablespoons chili crisp or sambal oelek (adjust for spice level)

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, but adds depth)

• ½ cup chicken broth or water

For the Noodles & Toppings:

• 8-10 oz dried noodles (udon, ramen, lo mein, or even spaghetti work great)

• Additional green onions, for garnish

• Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. (Tip: Toss them with a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking.)

2. Make the Sauce: While the water boils, whisk together all the sauce ingredients—soy sauce, brown sugar, chili crisp, rice vinegar, hoisin, and chicken broth—in a small bowl or measuring cup.

3. Cook the Aromatics: Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the white parts of the green onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.

4. Brown the Pork: Add the ground pork to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the pork is fully cooked and nicely browned.

5. Combine and Simmer: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked pork. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the pork.

6. Bring it All Together: Add the cooked and drained noodles to the skillet with the pork sauce. Use tongs to toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the pasta water or more chicken broth.

7. Serve: Divide the noodles among bowls. Garnish with the reserved green onion tops and a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

Tips for the Best Noodles:

• Spice Control: Start with 1 tablespoon of chili crisp and add more at the end if you want it spicier.

• The Power of Chili Crisp: Using chili crisp instead of just chili-garlic sauce will add an incredible texture and layered spice from the crunchy bits.

• Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add veggies! Sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or baby spinach can be stir-fried with the aromatics in step 3.

• Protein Swap: Ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based ground meat are excellent substitutes for the pork.

• Make it a Bowl: Serve the noodles over a bed of crisp lettuce or steamed bok choy for extra volume and freshness.

Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal made right at home