Savory Black Pepper Stir-Fried Noodles
These quick, savory black pepper stir-fried noodles combine tender ham with crisp bell peppers and onions in a rich, glossy, umami-packed sauce.
This black pepper stir-fried noodle dish is the perfect blend of texture and spice, combining crisp vegetables with savory ham. The key to its signature shine and depth of flavor is the quick, high-heat stir-fry that locks in the seasoning from the complex soy-oyster sauce base. It is a satisfying, reliable meal that brings professional stir-fry techniques right into your home kitchen.
Ingredients
- 200 g noodles
- 100 g ham, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 3 tbsp water
Instructions
- 1Prepare the sauce
In a bowl, combine salt, cornstarch, sugar, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and water. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all the seasonings are completely dissolved and well combined.
Tip: Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent clumping when added to the pan. - 2Cook the noodles
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the noodles and cook them until they are 80% done, ensuring they retain some firmness.
Tip: Do not overcook the noodles, as they will continue to soften during the subsequent stir-fry process. - 3Rinse the noodles
Immediately remove the noodles from the boiling water and rinse them thoroughly in cold water. This step effectively removes excess starch, which prevents the noodles from sticking together.
Tip: Rinsing with cold water gives the noodles a better, chewier texture for stir-frying. - 4Stir-fry aromatics and ham
Heat oil in a pan over high heat. Add the sliced ham, green bell peppers, and onions. Stir-fry the mixture until the vegetables are tender and the ham is lightly browned.
Tip: Keep the heat high to ensure the vegetables remain crisp and fragrant. - 5Combine and season
Add the prepared noodles to the pan with the vegetables and ham. Pour the sauce mixture over the ingredients and stir-fry everything together over high heat to coat evenly.
Tip: Stir continuously to ensure the sauce coats the noodles without burning at the bottom of the pan. - 6Final seasoning
Add black pepper powder to the pan and stir well to incorporate. Continue stir-frying for another minute to allow the flavors to meld, then serve the noodles hot.
Tip: Adjust the amount of black pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
