Long-Life Noodles
- Cuisine: Asian
- Course: Main Course
- Features: Fast, Meatless
Summary:
In China, noodle dishes are a staple for birthdays and Chinese New Year because they signify a long life for whoever is eating them -- as long as the noodles are not cut short. The longer they are, the better.
The noodles in this dish are commonly labeled e-fu or yi mein. They are usually available dried and compressed into blocks. Fresh Shanghai noodles or, in a pinch, linguine can be substituted. Asian shallots are redder, smaller and milder than their Western counterparts; either can be used, as long as you add the correct measured amount. Chinese chives, also called garlic chives, are worth seeking out. They have a deliciously tangy flavor, and they turn a vibrant green after a couple minutes of cooking. All of the ingredients in the recipe are easily found in Asian markets; we bought ours at Great Wall Supermarket in Falls Church.
You can be flexible with this recipe: If you really like mushrooms, add more. If you must have meat, cut chicken, pork or beef into small pieces and stir-fry them along with the garlic and shallots.
4 to 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 8 medium dried black mushrooms
- 2 cups very hot water
- Two 9-ounce packages of fresh egg noodles or one 8-ounce package dried egg noodles
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium or regular soy sauce
- 3 medium cloves garlic, minced (1 tablespoon)
- 3 small shallots, chopped (3 tablespoons)
- 4 ounces button mushrooms (white or cremini), trimmed and sliced (1 cup)
- 2 ounces enoki mushrooms, trimmed and separated into bite-size pieces (1 cup)
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 5 Chinese chives or skinny scallions, cut into 2-inch lengths
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
Combine the dried mushrooms with the hot water in a medium bowl and let stand for 20 to 30 minutes, until the mushrooms are rehydrated. Drain the mushrooms, reserving 1 cup of the soaking liquid. Slice the mushrooms into 1/4-inch-thick strips.
Prepare the noodles according to the package directions. At the end of the cooking time, pour them into a colander and rinse under cold running water. Transfer the noodles to a large bowl; add 1 tablespoon of the oil and the soy sauce. Toss to combine.
Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the garlic and shallots; cook for 30 to 45 seconds, until fragrant. Add the black mushrooms and button mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes, stirring, until the mushrooms are almost cooked through. Add the enoki mushrooms, the reserved mushroom liquid, oyster sauce, chives and 1 teaspoon salt (add less salt if you are not using low-sodium soy sauce). Add the noodles, then stir quickly until the ingredients are well mixed and heated through (use a spatula in each hand to evenly toss the noodles, if necessary). Taste, and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.
Recipe Source:
Adapted from "The Asian Grandmothers Cookbook," by Patricia Tanumihardja (Sasquatch Books, 2009).
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