Potsticker Noodle Bowls (Print Version)

Tender noodles with seasoned pork, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce delivering classic potsticker flavors.

# Ingredient List:

→ Noodles

01 - 8 oz dried rice noodles or lo mein noodles

→ Meat

02 - 1 lb ground pork or chicken

→ Meat Seasoning

03 - 1 tbsp soy sauce
04 - 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
05 - 1 tsp cornstarch
06 - 1/4 tsp white pepper or finely ground black pepper
07 - 1/2 tsp sugar
08 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
09 - 1 tbsp very finely minced napa cabbage, squeezed dry (optional)

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

10 - 2 tbsp neutral oil, divided
11 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
12 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
13 - 4 green onions, thinly sliced
14 - 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage
15 - 1 cup shredded carrots
16 - 1 cup sliced shiitake or cremini mushrooms
17 - 1 cup bean sprouts (optional)

→ Potsticker-Style Sauce

18 - 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
19 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
20 - 1 tbsp oyster sauce or hoisin sauce
21 - 1 tbsp chili-garlic sauce or sambal oelek
22 - 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
23 - 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
24 - 1/2 cup chicken broth or water

→ Garnish & Serving

25 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (optional)
26 - 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
27 - Lime wedges (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add noodles and cook according to package instructions until just tender (4–6 minutes for rice noodles; 6–8 for wheat noodles). Drain and rinse briefly with cold water. Toss with a few drops of sesame or neutral oil to prevent sticking; set aside.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, white pepper, sugar, and salt. Place ground pork or chicken in a medium bowl. Pour seasoning over the meat and gently mix until just combined and slightly sticky. If using, fold in the finely minced napa cabbage. Set aside to marinate.
03 - In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, oyster or hoisin sauce, chili-garlic sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar or honey, and chicken broth or water. Whisk until sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
04 - Shred cabbage and carrots, slice mushrooms, and thinly slice green onions keeping whites and greens separate. Rinse and drain bean sprouts if using. Chop cilantro for garnish.
05 - Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Crumble in the seasoned meat in an even layer. Cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes for browned, crisp edges, then break up and continue to cook for 3–4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Spoon off excess fat if needed, leaving about 1–2 tsp in the pan.
06 - Push meat to one side. Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the open space, then add garlic, ginger, and white parts of the green onions. Stir for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Mix into the meat.
07 - Add mushrooms and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add shredded cabbage and carrots; stir-fry 3–4 minutes until cabbage is wilted but still crisp. Add a splash of water if the pan is dry.
08 - Pour the prepared sauce over the meat and vegetables. Toss well to coat evenly. Simmer 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
09 - Add cooked noodles to the skillet or wok. Toss gently but thoroughly to combine. If too dry, add 2–4 tbsp water or broth. Add bean sprouts in the last minute of tossing, if using.
10 - Taste and adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce, chili-garlic sauce, or a squeeze of lime. Stir in half of the green onion tops. Turn off heat. Divide between bowls. Garnish with remaining green onions, cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds. Serve with extra chili-garlic sauce and lime wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • All the crave-worthy flavors of potstickers without the fuss of pleating wrappers or steaming trays.
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that tastes like you tried.
  • The balance of crispy pork, tender noodles, and bright vegetables makes every bite different and exciting.
  • You can adjust the heat, swap the protein, or sneak in whatever vegetables are wilting in your crisper drawer.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the noodles after boiling or they'll turn into a gummy tangle that refuses to separate in the pan.
  • Let the pork brown undisturbed for at least two minutes before stirring, or you'll miss out on those crispy, flavorful bits that make this bowl so good.
  • Taste the sauce before adding it to the pan so you can adjust the spice and sweetness to your preference.
03 -
  • Use a wok if you have one, the high sides make tossing everything together so much easier and prevent noodles from flying onto your stovetop.
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for a minute before sprinkling them on top, it brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor that makes a surprising difference.
  • Keep a bottle of chili-garlic sauce on the table so everyone can adjust the heat to their own taste.
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