This Veggie Udon is a comforting bowl of chewy noodles mixed with colorful veggies in a tasty broth. It’s quick to make and packed with flavor, perfect for a cozy meal!
And let’s not forget those Sticky Glazed Pork Chops! They add a sweet and smoky touch that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Who can resist that sticky goodness? 😋
I love pairing these two! The udon noodles soak up some of the delicious glaze from the pork, making every bite so satisfying. Easy, yummy, and fun to share with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops are great for this dish. You can also use bone-in chops or pork tenderloin if you prefer. If looking for a healthier option, chicken breasts or thighs will work as well!
Soy Sauce: This adds a salty, umami flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce is a good substitute if you’re cutting back on salt. If you’re gluten-free, try tamari instead!
Honey or Brown Sugar: Both sweeteners work well to glaze the pork. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be good alternatives for a different flavor profile.
Udon Noodles: If you can’t find udon, soba or rice noodles can be a lovely substitute. They will change the texture a bit, but they’ll still be delicious!
Veggies: Use any vegetables you have on hand! Bell peppers, snow peas, or zucchini are fantastic choices if bok choy isn’t available. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces.
How Do I Get Perfectly Sticky Pork Chops?
To achieve that beautiful sticky glaze on your pork chops, it’s crucial to use the marinade effectively. Here’s how to ensure it sticks and doesn’t burn:
- Marinate your pork for at least 30 minutes; longer is better for flavor.
- When cooking, sear the pork chops on medium-high heat to create a nice brown crust.
- Once they’re seared, pour the reserved marinade into the pan. This will help create a sticky sauce that clings to the meat.
- Keep turning the pork chops in the sauce for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
These tips will help you make juicy, flavorful, and sticky pork chops! Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
Veggie Udon + Sticky Glazed Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sticky Glazed Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp vegetable oil (for searing)
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
For The Veggie Udon:
- 12 oz udon noodles (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small carrot, sliced diagonally
- 1/2 small onion, sliced
- 1 cup bok choy or napa cabbage, chopped
- 4 oz mushrooms (shiitake or cremini), sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp mirin or rice wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus an additional 30 minutes to marinate the pork. You will need around 15 minutes to cook everything. Overall, set aside about 1 hour to have this delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Pork Chops:
In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey or brown sugar, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Place the pork chops in a ziplock bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, 1 hour is even better!
2. Cook the Udon Noodles:
While the pork is marinating, prepare the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions, carrots, and mushrooms. Stir-fry these for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Add More Veggies:
Add the minced garlic and chopped bok choy (or cabbage) to the skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes until the bok choy wilts just a bit.
5. Flavor the Veggies:
Stir in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and if you’re using them, add the oyster sauce and mirin. Pour in 1/4 cup of vegetable broth or water, tossing everything to combine. Let this cook for about 1-2 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly.
6. Combine the Noodles and Veggies:
Add the cooked udon noodles into the skillet and toss everything together until heated through. Drizzle with 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
7. Cook the Pork Chops:
In a separate skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Take the pork chops out of the marinade (but keep the marinade!) and sear the chops for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned.
8. Glaze the Pork Chops:
Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet with the pork chops. Cook, turning the chops occasionally, until the sauce thickens and is sticky, and the pork is cooked through (about 3-5 minutes).
9. Serve:
Divide the hot veggie udon noodles into bowls, placing one sticky glazed pork chop on top of each bowl. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a delightful crunch.
Enjoy your delicious sticky glazed pork chops served with savory veggie udon noodles! Happy feasting! 🍜🥢
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless pork chops are great, you can also use bone-in chops or pork tenderloin for a different texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they’re cooked through.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute in the Udon?
You can use any crisp vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers, zucchini, snap peas, or broccoli. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time to ensure they are tender but still crisp!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the udon noodles and pork in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or broth to keep them from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, replace the pork chops with firm tofu or tempeh marinated in the same sauce. Adjust the cooking times accordingly, and it will still be a delicious dish! You can also avoid using oyster sauce for a completely meat-free meal.