Burmese Shan Noodles with Pork

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Burmese Shan noodles with pork, greens, scallions, cilantro, and chili oil in a ceramic bowl.

Shan noodles are a beloved Burmese comfort food built around springy rice noodles, savory pork, tomato, and fresh herbs.

Cook the pork and tomato topping until cohesive, blanch the noodles and greens separately, then layer everything so each bite stays bright and textured.

Keep the noodles just tender and rinse them briefly so they do not clump while the pork topping finishes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the noodles warm with greens, scallions, cilantro, lime, chili oil, and a little crushed peanut for contrast.

Burmese Shan noodles being assembled with rice noodles, pork tomato topping, greens, herbs, lime, and peanuts.

Recipe Notes

Store the topping and noodles separately for up to 3 days; reheat the topping gently and loosen the noodles with hot water.

Burmese Shan noodles with pork, greens, scallions, cilantro, and chili oil in a ceramic bowl.

Burmese Shan Noodles with Pork

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Rice noodles layered with savory pork, tomato, greens, herbs, lime, and peanuts.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Burmese
Calories: 640

Ingredients
 
 

Pork tomato topping
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 2 medium ripe tomatoes finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium shallot finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp chili flakes or to taste
  • 1 cup water
Noodles and garnish
  • 12 oz thin rice noodles
  • 4 cups chopped bok choy or mustard greens
  • 3 medium scallions sliced
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 0.25 cup roasted peanuts roughly crushed
  • 1 medium lime cut into wedges
  • 2 tbsp chili oil for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Chef’s knife
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Cook the topping:
  1. Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add the pork and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink. Stir in the tomatoes, fish sauce, chili flakes, and water.
  3. Simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the topping is thick but spoonable.
Prepare the noodles and greens:
  1. Soak or boil the rice noodles according to the package directions until just tender. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water.
  2. Blanch the greens in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes, then drain well.
Assemble and serve:
  1. Divide the noodles among bowls and spoon the pork tomato topping over them. Add the greens, scallions, cilantro, peanuts, lime wedges, and chili oil.
  2. Serve warm, letting each person mix the noodles and topping at the table.

Nutrition

Calories: 640kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 29gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 980mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8g

Notes

  • The topping should be moist enough to coat the noodles without becoming soupy.
  • Use certified gluten-free fish sauce if needed for a strict gluten-free kitchen.