Peanut Noodles

Directions

  1. 1Remove all tails from the shrimp, then lay the shrimp down on the cutting board and cut them in half to create two equal halves.
  2. 2Season the halved shrimp with a pinch of red pepper flake, a pinch of black pepper, and a pinch of ground ginger (or grated fresh ginger).
  3. 3Add about half a teaspoon of sesame oil to the shrimp (optional).
  4. 4Set the seasoned shrimp aside.
  5. 5Thinly slice about half an onion or one large shallot on a clean cutting board with a clean knife.
  6. 6Clean the broccoli by tapping the florets off the stalk. Break up larger florets by hand.
  7. 7Remove about an inch from the bottom of the broccoli stalk as it can be fibrous.
  8. 8Peel the broccoli stalk if the skin is thick, then thinly slice it on a bias and julienne it by running a knife through the thin slices.
  9. 9In a pan over medium heat, add a couple tablespoons of oil, then add the thin sliced onion.
  10. 10Cook the onions for a couple of minutes until they are cooked and have some color.
  11. 11In a separate pan over high heat, add a couple tablespoons of olive oil.
  12. 12Add the shrimp and julienned broccoli pieces to the high-heat pan, placing the broccoli in an area with no shrimp.
  13. 13Cook for about 30 seconds on high heat to prevent water from building up in the pan.
  14. 14After about 60 to 90 seconds, empty the shrimp and broccoli onto a flat surface, like a plate.
  15. 15Add a couple more tablespoons of oil to the pan.
  16. 16Add about half a pound of fresh lo mein noodles to the pan and turn the heat down low.
  17. 17Let the noodles toast for about 45 seconds to a minute, mixing them every once in a while. Toast for as long as desired.
  18. 18Once the noodles are toasted, add about a quarter cup of water or stock to finish cooking them.
  19. 19Once most of the water is gone, test the noodles for doneness. If not cooked, add a little more water and repeat until almost fully cooked (about a minute from being done).
  20. 20When the noodles are about a minute from being fully cooked, ensure there is a little water left in the pan (add a tablespoon or two if needed).
  21. 21Add a couple tablespoons of white or rice wine vinegar, about a quarter cup of soy sauce, and three to four minced garlic cloves to the noodles.
  22. 22Add the broccoli florets to the pan.
  23. 23Add plenty of black pepper to the dish.
  24. 24Add the cooked shrimp and broccoli back into the pan.
  25. 25Serve as is, or turn off the heat and fold in a couple tablespoons of peanut butter.

Ingredients

  • 0.5 lb shrimp, halved
  • 1 pinch red pepper flake
  • 1 pinch black pepper
  • 1 pinch ground ginger
  • 0.5 tsp sesame oil
  • 0.5 lb fresh lo mein noodle
  • 0.5 onion thin sliced
  • 1 large shallot thin sliced
  • 1 broccoli florets
  • 1 broccoli stalk julienned
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.25 cup water or stock
  • 2 tbsp white or rice wine vinegar
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce
  • 3 minced garlic cloves
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter

Equipment

cutting boardknifemicroplanepan

Tips

  • Halving the shrimp makes it seem like you have more and creates a fun shape when cooked.
  • Tap broccoli florets off the stalk for easy cleaning.
  • Julienne the broccoli stalk by thinly slicing on a bias and then running a knife through the shingles.
  • Toast noodles on low heat, mixing occasionally, for added texture.
  • Add water or stock gradually to noodles to ensure they are almost fully cooked before adding sauces.