Noodles with Minced Pork Sauce from Din Tai Fung features tender wheat noodles topped with savory minced pork cooked in a rich, fragrant soy-based sauce, garnished with fresh green onions for a perfect harmony of hearty and aromatic flavors.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Saucepan
- Wok or large skillet
- Strainer or colander
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Serving bowls
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) fresh wheat noodles
- 1 lb (450g) ground pork
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon ginger
- 4 green onions
- 1 small yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon five spice powder
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt
- Chili oil (optional)
Fresh wheat noodles are key to achieving the authentic texture found in Din Tai Fung's Noodles with Minced Pork Sauce, so opt for fresh rather than dried whenever possible. Ground pork with a good balance of lean to fat ratio ensures a hearty but not greasy sauce. Shaoxing wine imparts a distinct depth of flavor, but if unavailable, dry sherry can be a suitable substitute. Be mindful when adjusting soy sauce and oyster sauce quantities to maintain the perfect savory and slightly sweet profile. Your homemade Din Tai Fung copycat menu will capture the rich, aromatic essence of their signature dish with these carefully selected ingredients.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Boil water in a large pot.
- Cook wheat noodles according to package instructions.
- Drain noodles using a strainer or colander and set aside.
- Finely chop garlic, ginger, yellow onion, and green onions (separate whites and greens).
- Heat vegetable oil in wok or large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped garlic, ginger, white parts of green onion, and yellow onion.
- Sauté until fragrant and onions are translucent.
- Add ground pork to the wok.
- Stir-fry pork until browned and cooked through.
- Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, sugar, white pepper, and five spice powder.
- Stir well to combine all seasonings with pork.
- Pour in chicken stock.
- Simmer sauce for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drizzle in sesame oil and add salt to taste.
- Mix cooked noodles with a bit of sauce in a mixing bowl.
- Divide noodles into serving bowls.
- Ladle pork sauce generously over noodles.
- Garnish with chopped green onion greens.
- Drizzle chili oil on top if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
When preparing Noodles with Minced Pork Sauce from Din Tai Fung at home, you can substitute fresh wheat noodles with dried egg noodles or even spaghetti if fresh noodles are unavailable. Ground pork can be replaced with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option while maintaining the texture and flavor. If Shaoxing wine is not on hand, dry sherry or a splash of rice vinegar mixed with a little sugar can provide a similar depth to the sauce. You might want to adjust the seasoning by gradually adding soy sauce or oyster sauce to suit your personal taste without overpowering the dish. Using a wok or large skillet helps achieve even cooking and proper caramelization of the pork, enhancing the overall aroma and texture.
Tips
Make sure to boil the noodles separately in plenty of water to prevent them from sticking and becoming mushy. When cooking the minced pork, brown it thoroughly to develop deeper flavors before adding sauces and stock. Mix a small amount of sauce with your noodles first to evenly coat them without making them soggy. Remember to taste and adjust seasoning with salt and optional chili oil to suit your preference before serving.
Nutritions
Noodles with Minced Pork Sauce from Din Tai Fung provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats essential for energy and muscle maintenance. The wheat noodles deliver complex carbohydrates and fiber, while the ground pork contributes a rich source of high-quality protein and important B vitamins such as B12 and niacin. The soy-based sauce enhances the dish with minerals like sodium and iron, and the addition of garlic, ginger, and green onions adds antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support immune health. Your meal can be adjusted to suit dietary needs by moderating oil and salt content, ensuring both flavor and nutrition are optimized.
Storage
Store leftover noodles and minced pork sauce separately in airtight containers to preserve texture and flavor. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid drying out the noodles. Your careful storage ensures the rich soy-based sauce retains its savory depth while keeping the noodles tender.
Variation or Alternatives
For a lighter variation, swap ground pork with ground chicken or turkey, which reduces fat content while maintaining protein richness. You can replace wheat noodles with soba or rice noodles to cater to gluten-free preferences or add a nutty flavor. Experiment with cooking techniques by simmering the pork sauce longer to deepen flavor or quick-stir frying for a fresher taste. Your chili oil can be substituted with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha for different heat profiles.
Allergies
This dish contains common allergens such as wheat from the noodles and soy from the soy sauce and oyster sauce, which may trigger reactions in individuals with gluten or soy allergies. The minced pork sauce includes oyster sauce, posing a risk for those allergic to shellfish. If you have allergies to these ingredients, it is important to verify substitutes or avoid the dish to prevent an adverse reaction.
Why this recipe?
Noodles with Minced Pork Sauce from Din Tai Fung are celebrated for their rich, savory flavor and perfectly balanced seasoning that highlights tender minced pork combined with a well-crafted sauce. The dish features expertly cooked noodles that absorb the sauce's essence, creating a harmonious texture and taste that diners consistently praise. You'll find the combination both comforting and satisfying, reflecting traditional Taiwanese culinary techniques that Din Tai Fung has perfected over decades. Trying to make this copycat at home offers a rewarding cooking challenge and a chance to savor an authentic taste experience anytime.