I started cooking this Noodle salad with pork a few months ago and it has quickly become one we all get excited about, LittleT included (minus the nuts for now to avoid accidents). It is so easy that you’ll have it ready in 20 minutes.
If you don’t eat pork or meat in general, you could of course prepare the noodle salad on its own, it is full of flavour. In which case you just need to add the dressing from step 2 and chopped coriander to your favourite noodles. Or you could try it the way Tor Ince adapted it with tofu (her method is below in the comments section).
Or, if you prefer chicken, we have Lesley’s report in the comments below that she has tried it with diced chicken breast and it was delicious (updated 24-7-2014, I have tried it with chicken today, delicious!).
Thank you to everyone who is trying this recipe.
I have added a little note and simple tip at the end that I hope will be useful.
Noodle Salad with Pork
Ingredients
- 250 g pork fillet, the best quality you can afford (pre-packed ones tend to be about 450-500 g so I just freeze one half for next time)
- 1 bag of fresh rice noodles (you could also use 1 nest of dry noodles per person)
- 1 lime (one half will be used for juice, the other will be cut into wedges to serve). If you really like lime, use a whole one for juice and the other one for wedges.
- Fresh coriander, chopped coarsely
- 1 spring onion, either roughly chopped or thinly sliced lengthways and then cut (optional, it works well without it)
- Garlic (1 clove)
- 1 chilli or a teaspoon from a jar of chopped chilli (I always have Easy on the red chilli from Waitrose in the fridge nowadays)
- A handful of raw cashews or salted peanuts (crushed)
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Ideally a griddle pan but no need to go buy one because any frying pan you own will do
- One large bowl (it will hold meat)
- One salad bowl
- One small bowl for the dressing
- Your favourite music in the background (optional)
Method
1. Cut the pork fillet into 1 cm slices (roughly) and place in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil + 1 finely chopped garlic clove + 1 tablespoon honey.
2. Prepare the dressing in the small bowl by mixing: 1 tablespoon from the jar of crushed chilli OR a finely
chopped red chilli + 1 teaspoon of honey + 1 tablespoon soy sauce + the
juice of 1/2 lime (or juice of a whole lime if you prefer). Of course you could stick a fresh red chilli (I always have some in the freezer as they can be used straight away) and everything else in the Thermomix for a few seconds, speed 7 with half the coriander and have it done in no time (it’s what I do nowadays).
3. Heat a little oil in the griddle pan/frying pan and cook the pork slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until the juices run clear or (if you’re like me) just get one out, cut it in half and check that it’s cooked through). Remove the pork onto a plate, keep the pan on the heat.
4. Fry the fresh rice noodles in the pan for 2-3 minutes. This is optional though and you may want to just fry them in a little oil in a clean pan. Either way it’s delicious.
5. Place the noodles in a large bowl, add the chopped coriander and the dressing and toss together. Sprinkle the crushed nuts and chopped/sliced spring onion over the top. Tuck in.
Presentation tips: You can prepare the plates individually or you can place the salad bowl on the table along with a plate with the pork so that everyone can help themselves.
Note: If using dry noodle nests, cook according to instructions while the pork fillet marinades for a bit (between steps 1 and 2), drain.
Tip: You don’t have to use rice noodles, you could replace them with the noodles of your choice, I would recommend ribbon or fine egg noodles (I have made it with fine egg noodles before).
I can’t really say Serve with Spanish flair for this one but, since you found it here, do it anyway!
Que aproveche.
I’m linking up with Lavender and Lovage’s Herbs on Saturday for August, if you don’t know Karen’s blog already, please check it out. It is fantastic and has lots of ideas for those of you doing the 5:2 Diet.
I am hungry reading this post! I bought some reduced price pork in the Co-op this morning, so this has given me a little idea, even if it doesn't turn out quite as delicious as yours looks 😉
It will Catherine and soon you'll be coming back to tell me how you have varied it to make it even better, so that I can try it myself (which I will love and you should do by the way!).
One word: YUM.
This looks wonderful. I've been running out of ideas for simple, everyday food lately, but I have everything I need in the house for a tofu version of this. 🙂
Thank you!
Ooh exciting! I don't know much about tofu so make sure you come back to tell us how it turns out if you try it 🙂
Tofu is a pretty good approximation if you get the firm stuff and press as much water out as you can – it doesn't have the same texture as meat, but it has a good bite. I don't have a griddle pan, only a wok, but I'll send you a picture if I remember!
I'll pop by your blog in a few days for a visit and to ask you if you don't 😉
OK – I best stop procrastinating! Haha. 🙂
I just made it! I used maple syrup instead of honey and silken tofu instead of pork. Wholegrain rice noodles, so they're darker than usual. No olive oil because I didn't have any, but it turned out so crispy and amazing. 🙂
I just made it for lunch/early tea! I used maple syrup instead of honey and silken tofu instead of pork. Wholegrain rice noodles, so they're darker than usual. No olive oil because I didn't have any, but it turned out so crispy and amazing. Love!
My photo is too big for Disqus, but I uploaded it onto Flickr. 🙂
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thenewclosetromantic/7823767904/in/photostream
Oh wow it looks fantastic, thanks so much for coming back to show me! I am really happy that my post inspired you.
I will use maple syrup next time, I always have some at home and I can see it being delicious. Thanks for the tip!
You're like me then, adapt using what you have at home (I like that!). Where do you find the wholegrain rice noodles? I've only ever found wholegrain egg noodles
I love maple syrup in everything, I loved how it kind of caramelised on the tofu. So good! The balance of sweet and spicy is just perfect. I got the wholegrain bihon from Oriental Food Shop in Loughborough – they're Mama brand (from Thailand) and come in a little square pack. Usually I like buckwheat noodles, but I can't find any wheat-free ones lately.
I LOVE this Maria, it's VERY VERY tasty looking and full of flavour! LOVE the herbs you used as well as the nuts too….a perfect entry for Herbs on Saturday, thanks so much! Karen
Thanks so much Karen, that's such high praise. To be honest I was a bit nervous about entering it.
I've only started using coriander in the last year, I never really even ate it before. I'm in love with its flavour, above all when combined with citrus fruits.
I made this delightful recipe with chicken and used the Thermomix with the chopping/sautéeing/blending the sauce (my tribe don't like too many 'bits', but enjoy the blended flavours). Also cooked my noodles in the Thermo. My daughter finished off the beautiful presentation …
Oh this looks so delicious, I always do the same old thing with pork. Thanks for the inspiration!
I never used to do much with pork either as I always found that when I cooked pork chops they turned out hard as a shoe sole, but ever since I discovered this type of cut I am a convert.
omg that is my kind of food! I want to eat it right now! thanks for linking up. x
Personally I would opt for chicken . Looks really tasty I do like a noodle dish x
love noodles, black ones are my favourite, this looks very nice
This looks lovely. Might try it with mock duck.
Love the noodle idea. Will have to try this out with our usual cheapy pork loin steaks – probably won't be quite as good as yours but I do get a bit stuck when cooking pork so this will be great new idea.
Thanks Helen, your linky is a brilliant idea.
That's why I am quite flexible in my recipes and like to give options, everyone has different tastes. Thanks for poppy by Jenny.
I need to try black noodles!
This looks delicious and I must try it some time x
definitely making this tonight – will be calling at Asda for limes later – thanks for mentioning Foodie Foto Friday…maybe everyone should link up with their pork & noodle dish!!