Simmered Okinawan Soba Noodle Soup with Pork and Scallions

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

A soothing, light yet filling noodle soup featuring chewy Okinawan soba noodles simmered with tender pork belly and aromatic scallions. This japanese-inspired noodles ready in about 35 minutes pairs Okinawan soba noodles, pork belly, sliced into 1/4-inch strips, scallions, sliced thin on the diagonal for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 12 oz Okinawan soba noodles. Cook for 5-6 minutes until chewy but cooked through, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: In a medium pot, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 8 oz sliced pork belly and sauté for 5 minutes until edges are lightly browned and pork is fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 6 cups dashi stock, then add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp mirin, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes to infuse the broth.
  4. Step 4: To serve, divide the cooked soba noodles evenly among four bowls. Ladle the hot pork broth over the noodles and garnish with 4 sliced scallion stalks. Serve immediately while hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Okinawan Soba Noodle Soup with Pork and Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Simmered Okinawan Soba Noodle Soup with Pork and Scallions?

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 okinawan soba noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Okinawan Soba Noodle Soup with Pork and Scallions?

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 Simmered Okinawan Soba Noodle Soup with Pork and Scallions 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 Simmered Okinawan Soba Noodle Soup with Pork and Scallions?

Japanese 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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