NOODLES IN CUCUMBER-MEAT SAUCE

      Title: NOODLES IN CUCUMBER-MEAT SAUCE - ZA JIANG MEI
  Categories: Oriental, Pasta
       Yield: 6 Servings
  
       2 tb Peanut or corn oil
   1 1/2 lb Chopped pork butt
       2 tb Chinese rice wine
            -=OR=- Dry sherry
       1 tb Grated ginger
       1 tb Minced garlic
       6    Green onions; chopped
     1/2 c  Hoisin sauce
     1/4 c  Hot bean paste
       2 tb Sugar
   1 1/2 tb Soy sauce
       1 c  Chicken stock
       2 tb Sesame oil
       1 lb Chinese wheat-flour noodles
            - FRESH, (w/ or without egg)
       1 lg Cucumber
            -  cut into 1/3" cubes
            Toasted black sesame seeds
            - (for garnish)
            Fresh coriander leaves
            - (for garnish)
  
   PREHEAT A WOK OR SAUCEPAN over medium-high heat. Add oil. When hot,
   lightly brown the pork; break up clumps. Add rice wine; stir together
   for 1 minute or until the pork is dry. Push meat up the sides of the
   wok. Add ginger, garlic and half the green onions to the center of
   the wok; saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the hoisin
   sauce, hot bean paste, sugar and soy sauce to the center; stir-fry
   until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Mix the sauce with the pork, add
   chicken stock and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce to simmer and
   continue cooking, stirring occasionally until sauce has thickened
   into the consistency of spaghetti sauce, about 10 minutes. Swirl in
   half of the sesame oil. Keep warm. Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil.
   Separate strands by gently pulling the ball of noodles apart. Add
   noodles to boiling water; stir with a pair of chopsticks. When water
   reaches the second boil, add 1 cup cold water and let it come to a
   boil again. Pour into a colander. Rinse with cold water. Drain
   thoroughly and set aside. Toss with remaining tablespoon sesame oil
   and remaining green onions. Divide noodles among 6 flat soup plates
   or bowls. Spoon meat sauce on top. Garnish with cucumber, black
   sesame seeds and fresh coriander leaves.
[ add our full cookbook to your website ] [ Search The Cookbook ]