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Umami-Rich Pork Dripping Udon with Charred Broccoli

Chewy udon noodles embrace smoky pork drippings and crisp-tender broccoli florets.

Janelle

By Janelle

Updated: January 18, 2026

Why I Love This Recipe

Udon noodles are a blank canvas, ready to absorb the flavors of any sauce they encounter. In this dish, we're taking a cue from traditional Japanese yakisoba, but with a unique twist: pork drippings. Rendered fat, typically discarded, becomes the star of the show, infusing the noodles and broccoli with a depth of savory flavor that's both comforting and surprisingly elegant. The char on the broccoli provides a welcome bitterness that balances the richness of the drippings, while a touch of ginger and red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth.

  • •Smoky Depth - Pork drippings impart a unique, smoky flavor that elevates the udon beyond ordinary stir-fries.
  • •Textural Contrast - The combination of chewy noodles, crisp-tender broccoli, and crunchy sesame seeds creates a delightful textural experience.
  • •Umami Bomb - Soy sauce and mirin work in harmony to deliver a powerful umami kick that will leave you craving more.
  • •Quick Weeknight Meal - This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
  • •Secret Ingredient Magic - Turning a leftover ingredient into a flavor powerhouse is pure kitchen genius.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.

  • 1 lb Udon noodles (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 lb Broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 3 tbsp Pork drippings (from cooked pork)
  • 3 tbsp Soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tbsp Mirin
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp Ginger (grated)
  • 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
  • 1 tsp Sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp Sesame seeds (toasted)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook the udon noodles according to package directions. Undercook them slightly as they will continue to cook in the sauce. Drain the noodles well and set aside. The slight undercooking prevents them from becoming mushy later.

    ~5 min

    Tip: Rinse the noodles in cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
  2. 2

    Heat the pork drippings in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The drippings should shimmer and easily coat the pan. This high heat is essential for achieving a good sear on the broccoli.

    ~1 min

    Tip: If you don't have pork drippings, bacon fat or a neutral oil like canola can be substituted, but the flavor will be different.
  3. 3

    Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are bright green and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes. The charring adds a pleasant smoky flavor that complements the richness of the pork drippings.

    ~7 min

    Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan; cook the broccoli in batches if necessary to ensure even charring.
  4. 4

    Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.

    ~1 min

    Tip: Mince the garlic finely to prevent large chunks from burning.
  5. 5

    Pour in the soy sauce and mirin, and add the red pepper flakes. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits, known as fond, add depth of flavor to the sauce.

    ~1 min

    Tip: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
  6. 6

    Add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly with the sauce. Make sure the noodles are well-coated to absorb the flavor.

    ~2 min

    Tip: Use tongs to lift and toss the noodles for even distribution of the sauce.
  7. 7

    Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the sauce and heat through. The sauce should thicken slightly and cling to the noodles.

    ~2 min

    Tip: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more soy sauce for saltiness or mirin for sweetness.
  8. 8

    Drizzle with sesame oil for added aroma and richness. Sesame oil is potent, so a little goes a long way.

    ~0.5 min

    Tip: Toasted sesame oil has a more intense flavor.
  9. 9

    Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal. The sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.

    ~0.5 min

    Tip: Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant.
  10. 10

    Serve immediately and enjoy! This dish is best served hot, right after cooking.

    0
    Tip: For an extra touch, add a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a fried egg on top.

How Do I Know It's Ready?

The broccoli should be bright green and slightly charred, and the udon noodles should be heated through and well-coated with the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Umami-Rich Pork Dripping Udon with Charred Broccoli as much as I do! It's a wonderful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out – feel free to share your experience and any variations you tried!