Spicy-Sweet Sambal Pork Noodles

[nverland]

Spicy-Sweet Sambal Pork Noodles
6–8 servings

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 lb. ground pork, divided
1 2" piece fresh ginger, peeled, cut into thin matchsticks or finely chopped
8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
2 sprigs basil, plus more for serving
⅓ cup hot chili paste (such as sambal oelek)
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup unsweetened rice vinegar
1½ lb. fresh ramen noodles or 18 oz. dried spaghetti
Kosher salt
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter

Preparation

Heat oil in a large wide heavy pot over medium-high. Add half of pork to pot, breaking apart into 6–8 large chunks with a wooden spoon. Cook, undisturbed, until well browned underneath, about 5 minutes. Turn pieces and continue to cook, turning occasionally, until pork is browned on 2–3 sides, about 5 minutes longer. Add ginger, garlic, sugar, and remaining pork to pot and cook, breaking up pork into small clumps, until meat is nearly cooked through, about 5 minutes longer. Add tomato paste and 2 basil sprigs. Cook, stirring occasionally, until paste darkens, about 2 minutes. Add chili paste, soy sauce, vinegar, and 2 cups water. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until sauce is slightly thickened and flavors have melded, 30–45 minutes.

Cook noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until 1 minute short of al dente. Add to pot with sauce along with butter and a splash of pasta cooking liquid. Simmer, tossing occasionally, until sauce begins to cling to noodles, about 1 minute. Pluck out basil sprigs.

Divide noodles among plates. Top with torn basil.