Long Life Noodles

Any type of noodle—thin chow mein noodles to broad rice noodles to the thicker Shanghai wheat noodles—is a must at Chinese New Year's. However, long noodles represent a long unbroken life (so cutting them into shorter strands would symbolically shorten your life). Pull out your largest skillet or wok because this recipe creates a full pan.

Yield:

8 servings (serving size: about 3/4 cup)

Ingredients

1. 1 pound fresh Asian-style wheat noodles
2. 1 1/2 tablespoons Shaoxing (Chinese rice wine) or dry sherry
3. 1 1/2 teaspoons hoisin sauce
4. 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
5. 6 ounces boneless pork tenderloin cut into 2 x 1/4–inch julienne strips
6. 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce
7. 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
8. 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
9. 1/2 teaspoon sugar
10. 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
11. 3 cups chopped napa (Chinese) cabbage
12. 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
13. 1 1/4 cups (1-inch) slices green onions

Directions

1. Cook noodles according to package directions, omitting fat and salt. Drain and rinse with cold water; drain. Set aside.
2. Combine wine, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add pork; stir to coat. Cover and let stand 10 minutes.
3. Combine dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, and sugar in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk; set mixture aside.
4. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add cabbage to pan; stir-fry 2 minutes. Transfer cabbage to a bowl.
5. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in pan. Add garlic; stir-fry 10 seconds or until fragrant. Add pork mixture; stir-fry 3 minutes or until done. Add pork mixture to bowl with cabbage.
6. Wipe pan clean with paper towels; return to heat. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Add reserved noodles; stir-fry 1 minute. Add onions and soy sauce mixture to pan; stir-fry 1 minute. Add pork mixture; stir to combine. Cook 1 minute or until hot.

Notes