Savory Thai-Style Pork Chops with Crunchy Sesame Noodles
Experience the perfect harmony of flavors with this Savory Thai-Style Pork Chops paired with Crunchy Sesame Noodles. The marinated pork chops are seared to perfection, delivering a juicy bite infused with a touch of sweetness and umami from the soy sauce. The noodles, tossed with sesame oil and fresh vegetables, add a delightful crunch, making this dish both satisfying and vibrant. Whip it up in no time for a weeknight dinner that will impress your family and friends. Prep time does not include the marinating time for the pork, allowing for flexibility in your schedule.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Soy Sauce
3 tablespoons (none)
Cornstarch
2 tablespoons (none)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon (divided)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
Boneless Thin Cut Pork Chops
1 1/2 lbs (none)
Thin Spaghetti or Asian Rice Noodles
1 lb (cooked according to package directions)
Sliced Green Onion
1/2 cup (sliced)
Sesame Oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1 teaspoon (none)
Peanut Oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Snow Peas
1 cup (cleaned and sliced in half)
Shredded Carrot
1 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the sugar and cornstarch are dissolved.
2
Place the pork chops in a large zip-top plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the pork, seal the bag, and massage it gently to ensure the pork is fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
3
Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain well and set aside.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, sliced green onions, sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Toss well to combine and set aside.
5
In a large skillet, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat. Add the snow peas and shredded carrots, and sauté for about 5 minutes, tossing frequently, until they are crisp-tender.
6
Add an additional tablespoon of peanut oil to the skillet, then carefully add the marinated pork chops. Sear for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden color.
7
Once the pork chops are cooked, return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet and toss everything together to heat through.
8
Serve the pork and vegetable mixture over the prepared sesame noodles, garnishing with extra green onions if desired.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
25g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 lbs of boneless thin cut pork chops.
What type of noodles are recommended for the sesame noodles?
You can use either thin spaghetti or Asian rice noodles for this dish.
How long should I marinate the pork chops?
Marinate the pork for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for a deeper flavor profile.
What are the ingredients in the pork marinade?
The marinade consists of soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
What kind of oil is best for sautéing the vegetables and pork?
Peanut oil is used for sautéing to provide a high smoke point and complementary flavor.
How many calories are in one serving of this dish?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes added to the noodles.
What vegetables are included in this Thai-style dish?
The dish includes snow peas and shredded carrots.
How much protein is in this recipe?
Each serving contains 20g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count for this meal?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do you prepare the snow peas?
The snow peas should be cleaned and sliced in half before sautéing.
How do I season the noodles?
Toss the cooked noodles with sliced green onions, sesame oil, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes.
How long does it take to cook the vegetables?
The vegetables should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
How long do the pork chops need to sear on each side?
Sear the pork chops for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the marinade?
Cornstarch helps to tenderize the meat and allows the marinade to cling better for a good sear.
Can I use bone-in pork chops instead?
While the recipe calls for boneless thin cut chops, you can use bone-in, though cooking times will increase.
What garnish is recommended for this dish?
Extra sliced green onions are recommended for garnish.
Is there any fat in this recipe?
Yes, there are 13g of fat per serving.
Is this a good meal for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and weeknight meal, designed for efficiency.
Can I substitute peanut oil if I have an allergy?
Yes, you can substitute with another high-heat oil like canola or vegetable oil.
How should the noodles be cooked?
Cook them according to the specific instructions on their packaging, then drain well.
What flavor profile does the sesame oil provide?
Sesame oil provides a rich, nutty aroma and flavor to the crunchy noodles.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely, vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli would pair well with these Thai flavors.
What should the final texture of the vegetables be?
They should be crisp-tender, meaning they are cooked but still have a bit of a bite.
Is there any sugar in the recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of sugar is used in the marinade to balance the savory soy sauce.
How is the pork combined with the vegetables?
After the pork is seared, return the vegetables to the skillet and toss everything together to heat through.
What makes the noodles 'crunchy'?
The combination of fresh vegetables like carrots and snow peas tossed with the noodles adds a delightful crunch.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe with a balance of lean protein, vegetables, and moderate calories.
How many different ingredients are needed?
The recipe requires a total of 13 ingredients.
Does the prep time include the marinating time?
No, the prep time does not include the 1 to 24 hours needed for marinating the pork.