Step #1
In a large pot of water boil noodles until al dente.
Step #2 Drain well.
Step #3 Rinse with cool water until the noodles are cool.
Step #4 Break off the tough ends of the asparagus, & cut the rest of the spears into 2-inch lengths.
Step #5 In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of the oil over med-heat/flame.
Step #6 Add the garlic & ginger, saute for 1 min, make sure not to brown the garlic.
Step #7 Add the asparagus & 1/2 c water.
Step #8 Simmer for 2 mins.
Step #9 Put the cornstarch into a small mixing bowl, stir in the the remaining 1/2 c water & the rice wine or sherry.
Step #10 Stir well.
Step #11 Add this mixture, & the fermented black beans, if you're using them, the soy sauce, to the simmering vegetables.
Step #12 Let the sauce boil for a few seconds, add the spinach & stir until it wilts.
Step #13 Remove the skillet from the heat
Heat the remaining oil in a skillet over high heat.
Step #14 Divide the noodles into four mounds, & place the mounds of noodles in the hot frying pan.
Step #15 Flatten the mounds in the frying pan so that more surface area will brown, reduce the heat to medium-high, & fry the cakes for at least 5 mins, until they develop a golden-brown crust on the bottom.
Step #16 Turn the cakes over, & fry them for 3 mins
While the noodle cakes cook, reheat the vegetables & the sauce slightly.
Step #17 Add the sesame oil, salt & pepper to the vegetable mixture.
Step #18 Place the noodle cakes on plates, spoon the sauce & vegetables over & around the cakes, & serve.
Step #19 .
Enjoy the
Chinese Noodle Pancakes with Asparagus recipe