Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into a super tasty and easy recipe that's perfect for a weeknight dinner? Today, we're making irresistible pork stir fry noodles! This dish is packed with flavor, incredibly versatile, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. So, grab your wok (or a large skillet) and let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Pork Stir Fry

This isn't just any stir fry recipe; it's a game-changer! First off, the pork. We're using tender cuts of pork that soak up all the delicious sauce, making every bite incredibly satisfying. Secondly, the noodles. Who doesn't love noodles, right? They're the perfect base for all the savory goodness, adding a delightful chewiness to the dish. But what really sets this recipe apart is the sauce. It's a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and umami flavors that will leave you craving more. Plus, it’s so easy to customize with your favorite veggies, making it a great way to use up whatever you have in the fridge.

And let's not forget about the speed and simplicity of this recipe. On busy weeknights, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. This pork stir fry with noodles comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver when you're short on time but still want a delicious, home-cooked meal. You'll love how quickly the pork cooks, how easily the sauce comes together, and how customizable the entire dish is. Feel free to throw in some broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, or whatever veggies you have on hand. The possibilities are endless! This recipe is also great for meal prepping. You can cook a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as good (if not better) the next day. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home!

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we get started, let's gather all the ingredients you'll need for this flavor-packed pork stir fry. The beauty of this recipe is that you can easily adjust the quantities based on your preferences and what you have available. But here’s a general list to get you started:

• Pork: 1 pound of pork loin or shoulder, thinly sliced. The key here is thin slicing! This ensures that the pork cooks quickly and evenly, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the sauce. If you're using pork loin, make sure to trim off any excess fat. Pork shoulder, on the other hand, has more marbling, which adds extra flavor and tenderness to the dish.
• Noodles: 8 ounces of your favorite noodles. I personally love using fresh or dried egg noodles for this recipe, but you can also use ramen, udon, or even spaghetti in a pinch. If you're using dried noodles, make sure to cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the stir fry. Overcooked noodles will become mushy, so aim for al dente.
• Vegetables: 2 cups of mixed vegetables. This is where you can get creative! Some of my favorite veggies to use include broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers (any color), shredded carrots, snap peas, and sliced mushrooms. But feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Frozen veggies also work great in a pinch.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced. Garlic is a must-have in any stir fry. It adds a pungent, aromatic flavor that really elevates the dish. Freshly minced garlic is always best, but you can also use jarred minced garlic in a pinch.
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced. Ginger adds a warm, spicy note to the stir fry. Fresh ginger is ideal, but you can also use ground ginger if that's all you have. If using ground ginger, start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
• Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup. Soy sauce is the base of the stir fry sauce. It adds a salty, umami flavor that's essential to the dish. I recommend using low-sodium soy sauce to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
• Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons. Oyster sauce adds a rich, savory flavor to the stir fry. If you don't have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or a little extra soy sauce.
• Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the salty and savory flavors. You can also use honey or maple syrup as a substitute.
• Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon. Sesame oil adds a nutty, aromatic flavor to the stir fry. A little goes a long way, so don't overdo it!
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon. Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce. Mix it with a little water to create a slurry before adding it to the stir fry.
• Water: 2 tablespoons. Water is used to create the cornstarch slurry.
• Green Onions: 2-3, sliced. Green onions add a fresh, vibrant flavor to the stir fry. They're also used as a garnish.
• Sesame Seeds: For garnish (optional). Sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a nice visual appeal to the finished dish. They're totally optional, but I highly recommend using them!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and walk through how to make this amazing pork stir fry. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!

1. Prepare the Pork: Start by slicing the pork into thin strips. The thinner the better, as this will help it cook quickly and evenly. Place the sliced pork in a bowl and marinate it with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for maximum flavor.
2. Cook the Noodles: While the pork is marinating, cook your noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them well and set them aside. To prevent them from sticking together, you can toss them with a little bit of sesame oil.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Set the sauce aside for later.
4. Stir Fry the Pork: Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add a tablespoon of cooking oil (vegetable or canola oil works great). Once the oil is hot, add the marinated pork and stir fry until it's browned and cooked through. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Remove the pork from the wok and set it aside.
5. Stir Fry the Vegetables: Add the mixed vegetables to the wok and stir fry until they're tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. If the wok seems dry, add a little more cooking oil.
6. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pork and noodles back to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over everything and stir well to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and everything is heated through.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the wok from the heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Stir Fry

To make sure your pork stir fry turns out perfect every time, here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind:

• High Heat is Key: Stir frying is all about cooking quickly over high heat. This helps to sear the ingredients and create that signature wok hei flavor (the slightly smoky, charred taste that's characteristic of stir-fried dishes).
• Don't Overcrowd the Wok: Cook the pork and vegetables in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the wok. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the wok and cause the ingredients to steam instead of stir fry.
• Prepare Everything in Advance: Stir frying is a fast-paced cooking method, so it's important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This means slicing the pork, chopping the vegetables, and mixing the sauce ahead of time.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar to suit your personal preferences. If you like a spicier stir fry, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh garlic, ginger, and vegetables will make a big difference in the overall taste of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this pork stir fry recipe is that it's incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

• Use Different Proteins: If you're not a fan of pork, you can easily substitute it with chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add any vegetables you like to the stir fry. Some other great options include bok choy, snow peas, water chestnuts, and baby corn.
• Make it Vegetarian: To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the pork and use tofu or tempeh instead. You can also add more vegetables and use a vegetarian oyster sauce substitute.
• Try Different Noodles: Experiment with different types of noodles, such as rice noodles, soba noodles, or glass noodles.
• Add Some Heat: If you like a spicy stir fry, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. You can also use chili oil or chili garlic sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious pork stir fry is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of steamed rice or a simple salad. It's also great for meal prepping and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

So there you have it! A quick, easy, and incredibly tasty pork stir fry with noodles that's perfect for any night of the week. I hope you guys give this recipe a try and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!