Shredded Pork & Pickled Mustard Noodle Soup

Chinese Shredded Pork & Pickled Mustard Noodle Soup

Introduction
Zhacai Pork Noodle Soup is a classic, comforting Chinese dish known for its savory broth, tender shredded pork, and the distinctive salty–umami flavor of zhacai (pickled mustard stem). Simple, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, it's a popular breakfast and quick meal all over China.

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Ingredients

For the Pork

• 150 g pork tenderloin, cut into thin shreds

• 1 tsp light soy sauce

• ½ tsp cornstarch

• ½ tsp cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)

• A pinch of white pepper

• A small drizzle of oil

For the Soup & Toppings

• 80–100 g dried wheat noodles (or fresh noodles)

• 60–80 g zhacai (pickled mustard stem), sliced thin

• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced

• 3–4 slices ginger

• 1 spring onion, chopped

• 1 tbsp cooking oil

• ½ tbsp light soy sauce

• ½ tsp dark soy sauce (for color, optional)

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• Salt to taste

• White pepper to taste

• 600–700 ml water or chicken broth

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Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Pork

1. Place the shredded pork in a bowl.

2. Add light soy sauce, cooking wine, white pepper, cornstarch, and a small drizzle of oil.

3. Mix well and marinate for 10–15 minutes to soften the texture.

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Step 2: Fry the Zhacai and Aromatics

1. Heat a pan or pot with 1 tablespoon of cooking oil.

2. Add ginger slices and garlic; stir until fragrant.

3. Add the sliced zhacai and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes to release aroma.

4. Add a small splash of light soy sauce for flavor.

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Step 3: Add the Pork

1. Add the marinated pork shreds into the pot.

2. Stir-fry quickly until the meat turns white (do not overcook).

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Step 4: Build the Soup

1. Pour in water or chicken broth.

2. Add dark soy sauce if you want a deeper color.

3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Adjust the salt and white pepper to taste.

5. Drizzle in sesame oil at the end.

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Step 5: Cook the Noodles

1. In a separate pot, cook the noodles according to package instructions.

2. Once cooked, rinse briefly with warm water to remove excess starch.

3. Place the noodles into a serving bowl.

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Step 6: Assemble the Dish

1. Pour the hot pork & zhacai broth over the noodles.

2. Top with chopped spring onions.

3. Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

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Tips for Best Flavor

• Pork tenderloin is ideal because it stays soft when cut into shreds.

• If the zhacai is too salty, rinse it lightly before cooking.

• Use fresh noodles for a chewier texture.

• A spoonful of chili oil can be added if you prefer a spicy kick.