Description

A bold and refreshing cold noodle salad inspired by Japanese izakaya flavors, featuring spicy chili oil, nutty sesame dressing, and savory minced pork. It’s hearty enough to serve as a meal and quick enough for any night.

Ingredients

Chili oil, to taste

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 tsp fresh ginger, finely chopped

200 g minced pork

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp mirin

100 g beansprouts

200 g ramen noodles

4 tbsp sesame dressing (homemade or store-bought)

1 cucumber, julienned

2 spring onions, finely sliced

Salad cress, for garnish

1 tbsp sesame seeds, crushed

Shichimi and sanshō, to taste (optional)

1 egg yolk

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Instructions

Heat chili oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic, ginger, and minced pork. Stir-fry for 5 minutes, breaking up the pork.
Add soy sauce and mirin. Cook for another 5 minutes until the liquid reduces completely. Set aside to cool.
Bring a saucepan of water to a boil and blanch beansprouts for 30–60 seconds. Cool under running water and drain.
Cook ramen noodles until slightly softer than al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to remove starch.
Combine half the beansprouts with the noodles and toss with half the sesame dressing.
Transfer the mixture to a serving dish. Layer remaining beansprouts, cucumber, and spring onions on top.
Drizzle over the rest of the sesame dressing and more chili oil if desired.
Garnish with salad cress, sesame seeds, and optional spices. Place the egg yolk in the center and mix before eating.

Notes

Swap pork for chicken, turkey, or tofu to suit dietary preferences.
Use tahini if sesame paste isn’t available for the dressing.
Adjust chili oil and spices for preferred heat level.
Use soba or udon noodles for a different texture.
Best served cold; store leftovers for up to 2 days in the fridge.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 520
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 21g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 21g
Cholesterol: 120mg