Craving a dish that combines the perfect balance of savory, tender meatballs and silky noodles with an explosion of Asian-inspired flavors? Look no further! Our Oriental Noodles and Meatballs recipe is about to transform your dinner routine from ordinary to extraordinary. Imagine juicy pork meatballs, infused with ginger and garlic, nestled on a bed of perfectly cooked noodles – this isn't just a meal, it's a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Asia.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, minced garlic, grated ginger, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, half of the chopped green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until well combined.
- Form the meat mixture into small, uniform meatballs approximately 1-inch in diameter. Set aside on a clean plate.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Carefully place the meatballs into the hot pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook the meatballs for 8-10 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure even browning on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for fully cooked pork.
- While meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 6-8 minutes.
- Drain the noodles and return them to the pot. Toss with remaining soy sauce to add flavor.
- Transfer cooked noodles to a serving platter, arrange meatballs on top, and garnish with remaining green onions and chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot, optionally with additional soy sauce or chili oil on the side for extra flavor.
Tips
- Meat Mixture Magic: Use your hands to mix meatball ingredients for the most consistent texture. Cold hands work best to prevent the meat from becoming too warm.
- Temperature is Key: Always ensure your pork meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer for precision.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When cooking meatballs, give them space in the pan. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of browning, which means less flavor.
- Noodle Pro Tip: Reserve a little pasta water before draining. If your noodles seem dry, you can add a splash to help the sauce coat them evenly.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro and green onions aren't just decoration – they add bright, fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Customize Your Heat: Keep some chili oil or sriracha on the side for those who love an extra kick of spice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 90mg
