This Veggie Udon dish is warm and comforting, filled with colorful vegetables and chewy noodles. It’s a great way to enjoy a tasty meal that’s also good for you!
And those Sticky Glazed Pork Chops? They’re sweet, savory, and perfect for livening up any dinner table. I could eat them every week, no shame in that! 😂
I love how quick this meal comes together. Just stir-fry the veggies, cook the udon, and glaze those pork chops—easy peasy! It’s a perfect family dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I recommend bone-in chops for juiciness. If you need a lighter option, try chicken thighs or even firm tofu for a vegetarian version. Both pair nicely with the same glaze!
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and depth. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos. You can also opt for low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on salt.
Udon Noodles: Fresh udon is great, but you can use dried noodles, soba, or even rice noodles if you prefer gluten-free options. Cook them according to the package instructions before adding to the stir-fry.
Vegetables: Use any veggies you have on hand! Carrots, snap peas, or broccoli can be a great addition. If you want more protein in the udon, consider adding edamame or tofu.
How Do I Get the Perfect Glaze on My Pork Chops?
Getting that sticky glaze on your pork chops involves a few straightforward steps. First, make sure your skillet is hot enough to sear the chops well, creating a nice golden crust.
- Start by searing each chop for about 3-4 minutes on medium-high heat. This locks in flavor.
- Pour the glaze over them and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to simmer gently.
- Spoon the glaze over the chops regularly as they cook. This helps the glaze thicken and become perfectly sticky!
Just remember, don’t rush the simmering process; it’s key to achieving that delectable glaze! Enjoy the combination of sweet and savory flavors coming together beautifully.
Veggie Udon + Sticky Glazed Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sticky Glazed Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
For the Veggie Udon:
- 8 oz udon noodles (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or cremini preferred)
- 2 cups baby spinach or bok choy, roughly chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp sugar
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and delicious way to enjoy a hearty meal that combines savory pork with fresh veggies and chewy udon noodles!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Glaze for the Pork Chops:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Keep whisking until the sugar is fully dissolved and everything is blended nicely.
2. Cooking the Pork Chops:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels, then season them lightly with salt and pepper. Carefully place them in the hot skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are beautifully browned.
3. Adding the Glaze:
Now, pour the prepared glaze over the simmering pork chops. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the chops to simmer in the glaze, spooning the sauce over them every so often. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are fully cooked through, and the glaze has thickened into a sticky, delicious sauce. Once done, remove the pork chops from the heat and keep them warm.
4. Cooking the Udon Noodles:
Prepare the udon noodles by cooking them according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and set aside for later. They’ll be light and ready to soak up the lovely sauces!
5. Making the Veggie Stir-Fry:
In another large wok or skillet, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. It makes the kitchen smell amazing!
6. Adding Vegetables:
Add the sliced mushrooms and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until the mushrooms are tender, around 4-5 minutes. The bell peppers should also become slightly soft and colorful at this point.
7. Adding Greens:
Next, toss in the baby spinach or bok choy. Stir everything until the greens are wilted, which should take about 1-2 minutes. You want them to stay vibrant!
8. Combining the Sauce:
Pour in the soy sauce, mirin (if you’re using it), sesame oil, broth, and a bit of sugar. Stir it all together and bring to a gentle simmer for a minute or so.
9. Tossing the Noodles:
Now, add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together so that the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce and well combined with the vegetables. Give it a quick heat-through, about 2 minutes.
10. Serving Time:
Divide the veggie udon into bowls, which makes serving super easy. Place 1-2 sticky glazed pork chops on top of the noodles in each bowl.
11. Final Touches:
Garnish everything with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
Enjoy your savory sticky pork chops paired beautifully with hearty, flavorful veggie udon! The sweet, salty, and umami notes in this dish make for a satisfying meal that you’ll love serving again and again.
Can I Use Chicken Instead of Pork Chops?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs or breasts would work wonderfully with the same glaze. Just ensure they are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Adding a splash of broth can help refresh the noodles!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the pork chops with firm tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you can still enjoy the delicious glaze with the same flavor profile!
What Type of Noodles Can I Use Instead of Udon?
If you don’t have udon noodles, feel free to use soba noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti as a substitute. Just cook them according to package instructions to ensure they’re perfect for the dish!
