Taiwan chao main (Taiwanese Special Fried Noodles )

Serves 6 good size portions

Ingredients 

500 g fine rice noodles

6 cloves garlic, finely chopped

250 g fatty minced pork 

2 teaspoons Chinese five spice powder

3 Chinese mushrooms, soaked in water and diced

6 tablespoons light soy sauce 

pinch of sugar

1 medium onion, sliced and fried

Oil, for cooking

1 bunch spring onions, green ends only, cut into 2-3 cm lengths

½ cup carrot, cut into fine slivers 

Additional 125 mL light soy sauce

500 mL water

2 cups bean shoots

1 bunch garlic chives, chopped

few leaves coriander leaves 

1. Soak noodles as recommended on the packet in boiling water, then strain in a colander. Take care not to overcook.

2. In a frypan, fry garlic, then add pork mince and five spice powder. Fry the spice to enhance the flavour. 

3. Add mushrooms and soy sauce, then a pinch of sugar and enough water to cover the meat. Cover and simmer for about 50 minutes before adding the onions for a further 10 minutes.

4. In a wok, heat some oil to a high heat and lightly stir fry the spring onions, then add the carrot sticks. Add additional soy sauce and a cup of boiling water.

5. Add noodles and toss through the mixture in the wok. 

6. Add bean shoots and garlic chives. Toss together and serve on a large plate.

Pour meat sauce over the noodles and garnish with coriander leaves.