This dish features chewy udon noodles topped with fresh veggies and juicy pork chops coated in a sweet glaze. It’s like a party on your plate, with colors and flavors bringing joy!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good glaze? It makes the pork so sticky and yummy. Plus, the noodles soak up all the tasty sauce—pure happiness in every bite! 😋
For me, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner. I love adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for a little crunch. Easy and delicious, it’s a winner every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops work great because they cook evenly. If you prefer, chicken thighs or even tofu would be tasty alternatives for a lighter dish.
Udon Noodles: Fresh udon delivers a chewy texture, but dried noodles are okay too. If you can’t find udon, soba or rice noodles can work in a pinch.
Shiitake Mushrooms: They bring a deep, earthy flavor. If they’re not available, button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms will also add a lovely taste. You might even use bell peppers for a fresh crunch!
Greens: Kale or spinach is excellent, but bok choy or Swiss chard could be delicious substitutes. Feel free to mix in your favorites to pack in more nutrients!
Miso Paste: This adds great umami flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can skip it or use soy sauce as a substitute.
How Can I Get the Perfect Sticky Glaze?
The sticky glaze is super important for this recipe. To achieve the perfect consistency, follow these tips:
- Cook the reserved marinade in the same pan you used for the pork; this method adds deeper flavor.
- Keep the heat medium to avoid burning. Stir frequently until the glaze thickens, usually around 3 to 5 minutes.
- If you want it thicker, let it simmer a little longer, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out!
Coating the pork chops in the glaze after cooking gives them that gorgeous shiny finish. Enjoy the sweet and sticky goodness!
Veggie Udon with Sticky Glazed Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sticky Glazed Pork Chops:
- 2 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp miso paste (optional, for extra umami)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
For the Veggie Udon:
- 200g udon noodles (fresh or dried)
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup kale or spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 small carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce)
- 1 tsp chili paste or chili flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 2-3 green onions, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking, making it perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner. The pork will need at least 20 minutes to marinate, but if you have an hour, let it chill in the fridge for even more flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Marinade:
In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, miso paste, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until everything is combined smoothly.
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops in the bowl with the marinade, ensuring they’re well-coated. Let them soak for at least 20 minutes. If you can, pop them in the fridge for an hour; it really boosts the flavor!
3. Cook the Udon Noodles:
Prepare the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and set aside. It’s super easy!
4. Cook the Pork Chops:
In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Remove the pork chops from the marinade (be sure to save the marinade) and sear the chops for about 3-4 minutes per side until they’re beautifully browned and fully cooked. Once done, take them out of the pan and set aside.
5. Make the Glaze:
Pour the reserved marinade into the same pan and cook it over medium heat. Stir frequently until the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze; this should take about 3-5 minutes.
6. Coat the Pork Chops:
Add the cooked pork chops back into the pan, ensuring they’re well-coated with that scrumptious glaze. Take them off the heat and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them into strips.
7. Prepare the Veggie Udon:
In a large pan or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a short time until it’s fragrant—about 30 seconds.
8. Add the Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and julienned carrots. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until they reach tenderness. Add in the kale (or spinach) and cook until it’s beautifully wilted.
9. Combine Noodles and Sauce:
Add the cooked udon noodles to the pan with the veggies. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili paste if you want a bit of heat. Toss everything together until it’s well mixed and warm.
10. Assemble the Dish:
Divide the veggie udon noodles into bowls. Top each bowl generously with the sliced sticky glazed pork chops.
11. Garnish:
For the finishing touch, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top.
12. Serve Hot:
Dig into your warm, comforting bowl of Veggie Udon with Sticky Glazed Pork Chops, and enjoy every delicious bite!
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This recipe is a delightful mix of flavors, with the sweet and umami richness of the pork chops beautifully balancing the savory freshness of the veggie udon, all topped off with vibrant garnishes. Dig in and savor the dish!
Can I Use Another Protein Instead of Pork Chops?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs or breasts can be a great substitute for pork. For a vegetarian option, try using firm tofu or tempeh. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly!
How Do I Store Leftover Udon and Pork?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! You can increase the amount of chili paste or chili flakes to your desired spice level. Alternatively, add Sriracha or a dash of hot sauce when serving for extra heat!
What If I Don’t Have Miso Paste?
If you don’t have miso paste, it’s fine to omit it. You can substitute with a little extra soy sauce or add a splash of fish sauce for an umami boost, depending on your dietary preferences.