Lemongrass Pork Belly with Rice Noodles

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-simmered pork belly with fresh lemongrass and herbs, served over rice noodles with a tangy tamarind broth for a balanced, aromatic dish. This asian-inspired one pot (gluten-free) ready in about 95 minutes pairs pork belly, stalks lemongrass, rice noodles for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 610 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 25 min Cook: 70 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 610 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim excess fat from pork belly and cut into 1-inch cubes. Finely chop lemongrass, discarding tough outer layers.
  2. Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic, cooking until fragrant for 1 minute.
  3. Step 3: Add pork belly cubes and cook for 5 minutes until browned on all sides. Stir in lemongrass, 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp brown sugar.
  4. Step 4: Add enough water to cover ingredients by 1 inch. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 1 hour until pork is tender.
  5. Step 5: While pork simmers, cook rice noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
  6. Step 6: Remove pork from pot, reserving broth. Slice pork into thin pieces and set aside.
  7. Step 7: Return broth to pot and add 1/4 cup water if needed. Bring to a simmer, then add drained noodles and pork. Cook for 2 minutes until heated through. Serve with bean sprouts on top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemongrass Pork Belly with Rice Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 95 minutes (25 min prep + 70 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 Lemongrass Pork Belly with 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 belly from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemongrass Pork Belly with 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 Lemongrass Pork Belly with Rice Noodles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Lemongrass Pork Belly with 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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