Spicy Ramen with Griddled Pork Tenderloin

This is a warming, filling, spicy treat.  The pork can be replaced with salmon, chicken, beef or soya.  It will be just as fantastic.

I used some Rau Ram, Vietnamese Coriander (Cilantro).  It's like a milder version of coriander with a slight lemony taste.  I think normal Coriander gives a more interesting flavour, but thought I'd give the real Mcoy a go this once.  I always use galangal rather than ginger.

RECIPE BELOW:

FOR THE STOCK:

• 1 litre chicken stock (you need proper stock for this, cubes or powder will be gross!)
• 1 pack egg noodles
  
• 1-2 inches Galangal, or fresh ginger, roughly chopped
• 1 red chilli, split in two (de-seeded if you don't like too much spice)
• 1 stick of lemongrass (bruise it with a few good whacks with something heavy)
• 2 cloves of garlic, (remove skins & cut in half)
• 1 bunch of Rau Ram, or Coriander (Cilantro)
• 2 handfulls of beansprouts
• 1 lime, cut into quarters
  
• Soy Sauce, or fish sauce
  

Bring the stock to the boil with the galangal, garlic, half the roots of the coriander/Rau Ram, and quarter of the lime.  Simmer for 20mins(ish) and then strain.  Throw away all the flavourings, keep the stock!

The stock can then be reheated when you need it.  Check the flavour and add soy sauce or fish sauce until it's delicious.

FOR THE PORK:

1 Tenderloin

Get a griddle pan hot.

Lightly oil the pork, not the pan!

Griddle until nicely browned/charred.  It takes around 5-6mins.  Then wrap in foil and pop in the oven for 5mins to cook through, 170C should be fine.  Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5mins.

TO ASSEMBLE:

Simmer the noodles for 5mins.

Heat the stock and get it tasting just right.  Squeeze in the juice of another quarter of lime.

Slice the pork.

Put a handful of bean sprouts in each bowl, top with the cooked noodles, and the pork.

Then add a quarter of a lime in each bowl, fill the bowl with the spicy stock halfway up the meat.  Sprinkle over with chopped fresh coriander and sliced fresh red chilli.

This feeds two very greedy people, but could feed double that by using more noodles, bean sprouts etc.

You could easily marinate the pork first, maybe with sesame oil & garlic.  I didn't have time today.  I just gave it a squirt of lime juice.

We have this as an antidote to cold weather.  It is very distinctive, satifying & extremely delicious!  It looks beautiful too so would be a great meal to make for other people.