Description
A traditional Chinese celebratory noodle dish symbolizing longevity and prosperity, made with Yi Mein noodles stir-fried with shiitake mushrooms, Chinese chives, and a fragrant soy-based sauce for a flavorful and auspicious meal.
Ingredients
Noodles and Sauce
- 3 quarts water (for pre-cooking the noodles)
- 12 ounces Yi Mein noodles (12 ounces/340g, dry)
- ⅛ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon hot water
- 2 teaspoons regular soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce)
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- Freshly ground white pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Oil
- 3-4 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 5 shiitake mushrooms (fresh or dried/reconstituted; thinly sliced)
- 8 ounces Chinese chives (225g, cut into 2-inch long pieces, with light and dark green parts separated)
Instructions
- Boil Noodles: Bring 3 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large wok or pot. Add the Yi Mein noodles and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, testing frequently to ensure they remain firm and chewy; avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.
- Drain Noodles: Taste to check for a texture close to uncooked al dente, then immediately drain the noodles and set them aside to keep warm and prevent clumping.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and salt in 1 tablespoon of hot water. Add the regular soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and freshly ground white pepper, stirring until fully combined.
- Heat Wok and Oil: Heat the wok over high heat until just smoking. Spread 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil around the perimeter to coat the surface evenly.
- Cook Mushrooms and Light Chives: Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and the light green parts of the Chinese chives to the wok. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, adding an additional tablespoon of oil if the mushrooms absorb too much and the mixture looks dry.
- Add Noodles and Stir Fry: Add the cooked noodles, ensuring they are warm and not dripping wet. Stir-fry for 20 seconds to warm through, adjusting cooking time if noodles have cooled.
- Add Sauce and Stir: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the noodles. Stir-fry everything together for 1 minute until the sauce is well distributed. Add remaining oil as needed around the edges to prevent sticking; drizzle oil or a splash of hot water over noodles if too dry.
- Gently Mix: Carefully stir so as not to break the noodles, maintaining long strands symbolizing longevity.
- Add Green Chive Parts and Heat Through: Incorporate the dark green parts of the chives and mix until they turn bright green and the noodles are heated throughout. This will take 1 to 3 minutes depending on noodle temperature and stove heat.
Notes
- Do not overcook the Yi Mein noodles; they should remain firm and chewy to maintain a pleasing texture.
- The amount of oil used can be adjusted according to personal preference to prevent sticking or dryness.
- Add a splash of hot water during stir-frying if noodles feel too dry even after adding the sauce.
- Handle the noodles gently during stirring to keep them long and intact, symbolizing longevity.
- Dried shiitake mushrooms should be reconstituted in warm water before slicing and cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
