Ellen's Udon Stir-Fry with Pork and Water Chestnuts

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Serving: 6 

Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

Stir Fry Recipe

1.5 pounds lean ground pork

4 tbsp of sesame oil

2 cups chopped onions (approximately 1/2 large onion)

1 cup oyster mushrooms chopped

1 cup white mushrooms chopped

3 cloves of crushed garlic

1 tbsp fresh grated ginger

1/2 cup fresh water chestnuts (approximate 8 water water chestnuts)

2 cups (approximately) of cooked fresh green beans cut in half.  I cook them in advance before adding to the pork mixture.

2 bunches of fresh chopped spinach  or 1 pkg of frozen chopped spinach – spinach should also be fully cooked when added to the pork mixture. 

Sauce Recipe:

1/4 cup soy sauce 

1/4 cup Hoisin sauce

2 tbsp honey

Toppings:

Chopped red bell pepper for colour

Chopped fresh green onion for colour

Prepare Ground Pork 

Put 2 tbsp of sesame oil in a frying pan over medium heat and add the mushrooms.  Cook until starting to become tender, then add the onions and garlic. Onions should shimmering when cooked.  Once cooked remove from stove and set aside in a bowl.

Using the same pan as used for the onions and mushrooms, add 2 more tbsps of sesame oil followed by the  ground pork and fresh ginger and cook thoroughly.  Then add the cooked spinach, onions and mushrooms  and mix into the pork.  The cooked  beans and water chestnuts are to follow.  I like to cook the beans separately so as to ensure they are not over cooked in the pork mixture.  When cooked to my satisfaction I drink the water and set them aside until ready to add to the pork.  The water chestnuts do not need to be cooked.  I just like to have them warmed so they keep their crunch.

At the end I combine the ingredients for the sauce and add it to the pork medely and thouroughly mix.

Prepare Udon Noodles

2 pkgs of udon noodles.  They can be frozen of refrigerated.  Soak in warm or hot water to separate the noodles before using.  I recommend separating the noodles with your fingers.  If the noodles are frozen they should be ready to use in approximately 5 minutes.  Drain the water when separated.

Final Plating

I have 2 options for this wonderful meal:

1)  Combine the udon noodles with the meat mixture and serve in a bowl or on a plate

2)  Put a nest of udon noodles into a bowl and then add the wonderful pork and water chestnut combination.

Sprinkle cut green onions and or chopped red bell pepper for taste and appearance.  

 Enjoy!!

(Ellen Britt)