Imagine a dish that combines the perfect balance of tender, juicy meat, crisp vegetables, and aromatic flavors that transport you straight to the bustling streets of Asia. This Noodles with Ginger Pork (or Turkey!) is not just a meal – it's a culinary adventure that promises to satisfy your cravings in just 35 minutes. Whether you're a busy home cook or a food enthusiast looking for a quick and delicious dinner, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles
- 1 lb ground pork or turkey
- 2 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cups bok choy, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients: Mince ginger and garlic, slice green onions, and chop bok choy into bite-sized pieces.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced ginger and garlic, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground pork or turkey to the skillet. Break meat into small pieces using a wooden spoon and cook for 6-8 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains.
- Stir in soy sauce and mix thoroughly with the meat, allowing it to caramelize slightly for additional flavor.
- Add chopped bok choy to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until leaves are wilted and stems are tender-crisp.
- Combine cooked noodles with the meat and bok choy mixture, tossing gently to ensure even distribution. If mixture seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot. Optional: Drizzle with extra sesame oil or soy sauce to taste.
Tips
- Choose Your Protein Wisely: Both ground pork and turkey work great, but make sure to use fresh, high-quality meat for the best flavor.
- Don't Overcook the Bok Choy: The key is to keep it tender-crisp. Remove from heat as soon as the leaves start to wilt to maintain its vibrant green color and nutritional value.
- Pasta Water is Your Secret Weapon: Always reserve a little pasta water. Its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce that coats the noodles perfectly.
- Customize Your Spice Level: Feel free to add a dash of chili oil or red pepper flakes if you want to kick up the heat.
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: Chop all your ingredients before you start cooking. This "mise en place" approach ensures a smooth, stress-free cooking experience.
- For Extra Flavor: Consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an additional layer of complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 75mg
