Japanese Miso-Marinated Pork with Thai Basil and Vietnamese Rice Noodles

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender marinated pork, stir-fried with aromatic Thai basil and served over light Vietnamese rice noodles, infused with Japanese miso for depth. This japanese-inspired asian (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, Japanese miso paste, Thai basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Japanese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 400g pork tenderloin with 2 tbsp Japanese miso paste, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 minced cloves garlic, 1 grated tsp ginger, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Use your hands to mix thoroughly, ensuring the pork is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Tip: Refrigeration helps the flavors penetrate the meat and prevents the pork from becoming tough during cooking.
  2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 200g Vietnamese rice noodles and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool to the touch. Tip: Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing the noodles from clumping when combined with the sauce.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the marinated pork in a single layer, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure even contact with the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, undisturbed, until the surface is golden brown and slightly caramelized. Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan—cook in batches if needed to maintain even browning.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 cup Thai basil leaves, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the leaves wilt and release their aroma. Use tongs to flip the pork occasionally, ensuring it’s evenly cooked. Tip: Add the basil after browning the pork to preserve its vibrant flavor and prevent it from burning.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the pork and basil to a large serving bowl. Add the cooked rice noodles, 100ml vegetable broth, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sugar. Toss well with tongs or a spatula until the noodles are evenly coated and the broth is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Tip: If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes to thicken it to a glossy consistency.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Japanese Miso-Marinated Pork with Thai Basil and Vietnamese Rice Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Japanese Miso-Marinated Pork with Thai Basil and Vietnamese Rice Noodles?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Japanese Miso-Marinated Pork with Thai Basil and Vietnamese Rice Noodles?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Japanese Miso-Marinated Pork with Thai Basil and Vietnamese Rice Noodles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Japanese Miso-Marinated Pork with Thai Basil and Vietnamese Rice Noodles gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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