Spicy Pork Noodles with Watercress and Daikon Recipe

If you are craving something that packs a flavorful punch with a wonderful harmony of heat, freshness, and comforting noodles, then this Spicy Pork Noodles with Watercress and Daikon Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. The tender pork shoulder melds beautifully with the spicy broth enriched with ginger, garlic, and a blend of warming spices, while the crisp watercress and subtly sweet daikon add a vibrant texture and brightness you never knew you wanted in a noodle dish. Each bite is an adventure, delivering layers of taste that balance spicy, earthy, and fresh elements effortlessly.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients ensures every element shines through and contributes to the complex depth of flavor and contrasting textures in this dish.

• Pork shoulder (1.5 lbs): This cut becomes tender and flavorful, making it the perfect hearty protein base for the dish.
• Fresh ginger (2–3 inches, peeled and sliced): Adds a zesty warmth and vibrant aroma that lifts the broth beautifully.
• Scallions (4 large, chopped): Offer a mild onion flavor and freshness that balances the rich pork and spicy broth.
• Garlic (8 cloves, smashed): Infuses the broth with a deep savory essence that rounds out the taste.
• Daikon (1.5 cups, cubed): Provides a mild sweetness with a crisp, juicy texture that contrasts the noodles perfectly.
• Carrot (1, sliced into planks): Adds a splash of color and gentle earthy sweetness.
• Shiitake mushrooms (5–6, thinly sliced): Bring an umami-rich depth and chewy texture that complements the tender pork.
• Watercress (3–4 cups, washed): Offers a peppery bite and vibrant green color that brightens the bowl.
• Chicken stock (4 cups): Forms the savory, rich broth that is essential as the soup’s flavor foundation.
• Water (4 cups): Thins and steams the ingredients gently without overpowering the broth.
• Sake (1/4 cup): Adds subtle sweetness and depth, enhancing the pork’s richness.
• White pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Delivers a sharper peppery note that complements the red pepper flakes.
• Red pepper flakes (1.5 teaspoon): Kick up the heat with a vibrant, lingering spiciness.
• Ground Sichuan peppercorns (1/2 teaspoon): Add a unique tingling and citrusy flavor that makes this dish so memorable.
• Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Provides a salty, umami backbone for the broth.
• Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Offers a bright acidity that balances the spicy and savory notes.
• La-yu chili oil (1 teaspoon): Gives a fragrant smokiness and final heat boost when drizzled on top.
• Noodles of choice: I recommend Hakubaku ramen noodles for their perfect chewy texture that holds up in the broth.

How to Make Spicy Pork Noodles with Watercress and Daikon Recipe

Step 1: Blanch the Pork

Start by placing the pork shoulder in a large pot and covering it with cold water. Bring it to a hard boil and let it cook for 2 minutes. This step is crucial as it removes any impurities from the meat, ensuring a clear, clean broth. After boiling, drain the pork and rinse it well under cold water.

Step 2: Cut the Pork into Chunks

Once the pork has been properly blanched and cooled, slice it into 1- to 2-inch pieces. These bite-sized chunks will simmer perfectly, becoming tender and flavorful throughout the cooking process.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

In a clean large pot, combine the blanched pork chunks, chicken stock, water, chopped scallions, sliced ginger, smashed garlic, sake, white pepper, red pepper flakes, ground Sichuan peppercorns, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring everything to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it gently simmer for 90 minutes to develop the rich and spicy broth that defines this Spicy Pork Noodles with Watercress and Daikon Recipe.

Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms

While the broth simmers, heat a small pan with a splash of sesame oil and sauté the thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms until they become fragrant and lightly browned. This enhances their earthy flavor and adds a wonderful texture contrast to the dish.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Continue Simmering

After the initial 90 minutes, add the sautéed mushrooms, cubed daikon, carrot planks, and watercress to the pot. Let the whole mixture continue simmering for another 30 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften yet still retain some bite. Taste the broth and add salt as needed to elevate all the flavors.

Step 6: Prepare the Noodles

Cook your chosen noodles separately according to package instructions until al dente. Hakubaku ramen noodles work beautifully here, offering a springy texture that stands up well in the spicy broth. Drain and divide the noodles into serving bowls while keeping them warm.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Ladle the piping hot broth along with tender pork chunks and vegetables over the noodles. Finish by drizzling a bit of la-yu chili oil on top for that extra punch of heat and garnish with additional scallions if you like. This final touch adds a pop of color and another layer of aromatic flavor.

How to Serve Spicy Pork Noodles with Watercress and Daikon Recipe

Garnishes

Extra scallions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or even a soft-boiled egg take the Spicy Pork Noodles with Watercress and Daikon Recipe to the next level. Fresh herbs such as cilantro or Thai basil also pair wonderfully, providing fresh bursts of flavor and balancing the dish’s heat.

Side Dishes

Light, crisp side dishes complement this robust noodle bowl perfectly. Consider serving with simple cucumber salad, pickled vegetables, or steamed greens. These lighten the palate and add refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy broth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your noodles in individual stone bowls to keep everything hot longer, or layer the components artfully by placing the pork and vegetables on the noodles before ladling the broth around them. Adding a wedge of lime on the side lets everyone customize their level of acidity for a personalized bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Spicy Pork Noodles with Watercress and Daikon Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the broth separate from the noodles if possible to prevent the noodles from becoming soggy.

Freezing

The broth with pork and vegetables freezes wonderfully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Freeze noodles separately if you want to preserve their texture when reheating later.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the broth on the stove until piping hot. Reheat noodles quickly in boiling water or the microwave, then combine just before serving for the best texture and flavor experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of pork?

Yes! While pork shoulder is ideal for its fat content and tenderness, you can use pork belly or even pork loin, but cooking times may need adjustment to ensure tenderness and flavor concentration.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is moderately hot thanks to the red pepper flakes and la-yu chili oil, but it is balanced by the cooling freshness of watercress and mild sweetness from the daikon. Adjust the quantities of heat ingredients to your preference.

Can I substitute watercress?

Definitely. If watercress is hard to find, try baby arugula or spinach as alternatives; they provide a similar fresh, peppery note and vibrant color.

What type of noodles is best for this recipe?

Ramen-style noodles work beautifully, especially ones with a bit of chew like Hakubaku ramen noodles. However, you can use other wheat noodles, udon, or even rice noodles based on preference.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As it stands, the soy sauce contains gluten, so to make a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy alternative and use gluten-free noodles.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Pork Noodles with Watercress and Daikon Recipe truly showcases how passion and simple ingredients can come together to create bowlfuls of pure comfort and vibrant flavor. I encourage you to try it soon—whether as a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends, it never fails to deliver hearty satisfaction with every bite.

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