Ingredients:
- 1 lb Shanghai thick wheat noodles
- 1/2 lb pork tenderloin, thinly sliced into matchsticks
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 3 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 1 tbsp water
Instructions:
- Prepare mise en place: slice the pork into thin matchsticks, chop the vegetables, and whisk all glaze ingredients (soy sauces, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry) together in a bowl. If using frozen udon, rinse under warm water until separated.
- Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large cast iron skillet until shimmering. Add pork strips in a single layer and sear without moving for 1 minute until caramelized, then toss for another 2 minutes until cooked through. Remove pork from the pan and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil to the hot wok. Stir-fry the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Increase heat to high and add the shredded cabbage, sliced carrots, and shiitake mushrooms. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add the thick wheat noodles to the wok. Toss frequently over high heat to allow the noodles to sear and develop charred edges.
- Pour the signature glaze over the noodles and vegetables. Toss rapidly until the sauce reduces and creates a glossy, mahogany-colored coating on every strand.
- Return the cooked pork and add the scallion pieces to the wok. Toss for one final minute to integrate all flavors before serving.