Shan-Style Stir-Fried Noodles with Pork and Pickled Tea Leaves

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

A savory stir-fry of thin rice noodles with tender pork and the distinctive flavor of Burmese pickled tea leaves, a specialty from Myanmar’s Shan region. This Asian-inspired noodle recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs ground pork, pickled tea leaves (lahpet), chopped, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 thinly sliced shallots, stir-frying for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound ground pork and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped pickled tea leaves and 1 medium diced tomato, cooking for another 2 minutes until the tomato softens.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained 8 ounces soaked thin rice noodles and 2 tablespoons fish sauce, tossing quickly to evenly coat the noodles and combine all ingredients.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and continue stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until the noodles are heated through and slightly charred at the edges.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and fold in 1/4 cup chopped fresh green onions and 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately with 4 lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Shan-Style Stir-Fried Noodles with Pork and Pickled Tea Leaves 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 Shan-Style Stir-Fried Noodles with Pork and Pickled Tea Leaves?

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 ground pork from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Shan-Style Stir-Fried Noodles with Pork and Pickled Tea Leaves?

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 Shan-Style Stir-Fried Noodles with Pork and Pickled Tea Leaves 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.

What goes well with Shan-Style Stir-Fried Noodles with Pork and Pickled Tea Leaves?

Asian noodles like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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