Savory and Delicious Pork Soba Recipe

Ingredients

  • 200g of soba noodles
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 500g of pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 cup of chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup of soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup of mirin
  • 2 teaspoons of sugar
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup of daikon radish, grated
  • 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
  • 2 cups of baby spinach

Steps and instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the soba noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork slices and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
  5. Return the pork to the skillet and add the green onions, daikon radish, and sesame seeds. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
  6. Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook until just wilted, about 1 minute.
  7. Divide the cooked soba noodles among four bowls. Top with the pork and vegetable mixture. Serve immediately.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - for boiling the soba noodles
  • Skillet - for cooking the pork and vegetables
  • Knife - for thinly slicing the pork, onion, and green onions
  • Grater - for grating the fresh ginger and daikon radish
  • Measuring cups - for accurately measuring the soy sauce, mirin, and sugar
  • Measuring spoons - for accurately measuring the minced garlic, sesame seeds, and sugar
  • Tongs - for flipping and removing the pork slices from the skillet
  • Spatula - for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the skillet
  • Colander - for draining and rinsing the cooked soba noodles
  • Bowls - for serving the pork soba

Recipe variations

  • Replace the pork tenderloin with chicken breast or beef sirloin for a different protein option.
  • Add sliced mushrooms, such as shiitake or cremini, for an earthy flavor.
  • Include thinly sliced bell peppers or carrots for added crunch and color.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute tofu or tempeh for the pork, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Spice it up by adding a tablespoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the broth mixture.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soba noodles or substitute with zucchini noodles.
  • Experiment with different garnishes such as chopped cilantro, sliced jalapenos, or a squeeze of lime juice.
  • Add a tablespoon of miso paste to the broth for an extra umami kick.
  • For a richer flavor, drizzle a bit of sesame oil over the finished dish before serving.
  • Make it a one-pot meal by adding some vegetables like bok choy or broccoli to the skillet along with the pork.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a taste of Asia in your own kitchen with this delicious Pork Soba recipe. This dish combines tender, thinly-sliced pork with soba noodles, a type of thin Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour. The pork and noodles are stir-fried with onions, garlic, and ginger, then simmered in a flavorful broth made with soy sauce, mirin, and chicken broth. The dish is topped with green onions, grated daikon radish, sesame seeds, and baby spinach for a burst of freshness and texture. This recipe is ideal for a weeknight dinner as it's quick and easy to make, yet it's also elegant enough to serve for a special occasion. Get ready for a mouth-watering meal that's hearty, nutritious, and full of authentic Asian flavors.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of noodle instead of soba? Yes, you can substitute soba noodles with udon noodles or even spaghetti if you don't have soba noodles available.
  2. Can I use a different protein instead of pork? Absolutely! You can use chicken, beef, or tofu as a substitute for pork in this recipe.
  3. Is mirin necessary for this recipe? Mirin adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish, but if you don't have mirin, you can substitute it with a mixture of rice vinegar and sugar.
  4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the pork and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that you use gluten-free soba noodles and substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
  6. Can I prepare the pork soba in advance? While it's best to serve the dish immediately after cooking, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble them just before serving. Keep the noodles and pork mixture separate until ready to serve.
  7. Can I add extra vegetables to the dish? Absolutely! Feel free to add your choice of vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - For boiling the soba noodles.
  • Skillet - To cook the pork and vegetable mixture.
  • Colander - To drain and rinse the cooked soba noodles.
  • Grater - For grating the fresh ginger and daikon radish.
  • Measuring cups - To accurately measure the ingredients.
  • Kitchen tongs - To flip and remove the pork slices from the skillet.
  • Spatula - To stir and mix the ingredients in the skillet.
  • Bowls - For serving the Pork Soba.

Origin stories

Pork Soba is a dish inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Japan. Soba, a type of thin noodle made from buckwheat, holds a special place in Japanese cuisine and culture. Dating back to the Edo period, soba became widely consumed in Japan; its popularity partly attributed to the belief that it could ward off evil spirits. Intriguingly, eating soba noodles on New Year's Eve, a custom known as 'Toshikoshi soba', is thought to bring good luck and longevity. The inclusion of pork in this recipe reflects the influence of 'Yoshoku' cuisine, a reinterpretation of Western dishes using local Japanese ingredients. Thus, Pork Soba is a delightful fusion of traditional and modern Japanese tastes.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.