Vegetable lo mein

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion (finely sliced)
• 2 small carrots (julienned)
• 1/2 small cabbage (finely shredded)
• 12 green beans (sliced)
• 1 small red pepper/capsicum (de-seeded and diced)
• 3 ounces / 85 grams mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 small pak choi (coarsely chopped)
• 3 cups beansprouts (rinsed)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 inch piece of ginger (peeled and finely chopped or grated)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried chilli flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or sunflower oil
• 6 ounces / 170 grams Chinese noodles
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar (substitute with dry sherry or Shaoxing wine)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Preparation ---

2. 2

   Peel and chop the vegetables

3. 3

   Prepare the garlic and ginger - peel the garlic and mince finely, peel the ginger and either grate it or chop it finely.

4. 4

   Mix the lo mein sauce - combine all the ingredients for the sauce and set aside.

5. 5

   Cook the noodles - bring a saucepan of water to the boil, add salt to taste, then boil the noodles for approximately 7 minutes, or until soft. (You can also follow the instructions on your packet of noodles). Drain into a colander and then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Leave in the colander to drain completely, until needed.

6. 6

   --- Lo Mein ---

7. 7

   Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan (with a lid), then add the onions, garlic, ginger, chilli (if using), carrots, red pepper, beans and cabbage. Stirfry briefly, just to coat them with oil. Then turn down the heat to a low simmer, a 1 tablespoon of water, cover the pan with a lid, and allow to steam for about 5 minutes.

8. 8

   Add the beansprouts, pak choi and mushrooms, stir through, replace the lid and steam for a further 3 to 4 minutes.

9. 9

   Taste the vegetables to see if they are cooked to your liking - if they are still too crispy, replace the lid and steam for another minute or two.

10. 10

    Add the prepared sauce, stir through to coat the vegetables and bring to the boil.

11. 11

    Add the noodles and stir through. Test for seasoning and adjust if necessary.

12. 12

    Stir over a low heat to warm the noodles through, then transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately.