SHRIMP HAAKA NOODLES

SHRIMP HAKKA NOODLES (Serves 5-6)

You will need:

• Oil – 3 tbsp, divided (use sesame oil preferably)
• Shrimp – 1 lb, around 30 large ones
• Red chili flakes – 1/2 tsp
• Eggs – 3, large
• Whole dried red chilies – 2
• Green onions or scallions – 6 stalks, chopped
• Ginger – 2 tsp, finely chopped
• Garlic – 2 cloves, finely chopped
• Carrots – 2 medium-sized, julienned
• Green beans – 8-10, julienned
• Soy sauce – 1/4 cup
• Rice vinegar – 1 tbsp
• Chili garlic sauce – 1-2 tbsp (as per heat desired)
• Sugar – 1 tsp
• Black pepper powder – 1/2 tsp
• Noodles – 10 oz

How to:

• Begin by peeling and deveining the shrimp if they aren’t already cleaned. Sprinkle red chili flakes and a fat pinch of salt on the shrimp. Mix to coat well. Set aside.
• Mix the stir fry sauce before you begin. Mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili sauce, sugar and black pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning, but most probably, you won’t need any additional salt at all. Keep aside.
• Cook noodles as per package instructions, drain and set aside.
• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp to pan in a single layer. Cook on each side for a minute till shrimp turns opaque. Remove to a plate and set aside.
• Add another tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Lightly beat the eggs in a bowl and add to skillet. Scramble eggs and cook till soft. Remove to a plate and set aside.
• Clean the skillet by rubbing lightly with a folded paper towel. Increase heat and add the last tablespoon of oil. Add the dried red chilies, white parts of the onions, ginger and garlic. Saute till fragrant. Then add the vegetables and cook till tender-crisp, tossing them all the while.
• Add the sauce,cooked shrimp and eggs and stir till sauce is bubbling. Now add the cooked noodles and toss together to coat.
• Garnish with the chopped green parts of the onions and serve Hakka noodles hot with a side of hot chili sauce or a small bowl of chili-vinegar. To make this, simply take vinegar (rice or white vinegar) in a small bowl and add a pinch of red chili flakes and a chopped Thai green chili in it. Allow to infuse for a few minutes before serving.

Notes:

• Replace the shrimp in this recipe with any protein of your choice, like thin strips of chicken, beef, etc.
• You can also use any vegetables in this recipe like shredded cabbage, broccoli, sugar snap peas, bamboo shoots, etc