Pan-fried Udon Noodles with Beef, Broccoli and Shitake Mushrooms

Ingredients (serves 3-4 people)
1 package dried udon noodles (usually sold in 8.8 oz packages) or about 1 pound fresh udon noodles
10 ounces chuck steak, sliced for stir-frying
2 tsp cornstarch
¼ cup + 1 tbs mirin (keep divided)
¼ cup low sodium tamari (or 3 tbs regular soy sauce)
2 tsp sugar (more to taste)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbs minced ginger
½ pound broccoli, cut for stir-frying
1 ounce dried shitake mushrooms
1 tbs sesame seeds, toasted

If you have dried noodles, first cook them in boiling water for about 2 - 3 minutes less than indicated on the package. These will cook further when we stir-fry them. Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water. Set these aside. If you are not ready to use them straight away pour a little olive oil over them to keep them fresh.

Next soak the Shiitake mushrooms in boiling water until they soften up. Then squeeze them dry and set aside.

Now for the beef marinade combine the sliced beef, cornstarch and 1 tbs mirin in a bowl. Mix the ingredients together and allow to marinate for about 10 minutes. Set the bowl aside.

For the sauce combine the remaining mirin, tamari and sugar. Stir well until the sugar has dissolved.

Ok we now have all the ingredients ready. Heat a wok over high heat. Add about 1 to 2 tbs oil (you can also use refined sesame oil for this). When the oil is really hot, throw in the marinating meat and garlic. Stir-fry until the beef is no longer pink, but not fully done. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside. Add a small amount of more oil if necessary.

Now add the ginger, broccoli, and mushrooms and the cold, drained noodles. Stir-fry without over-stirring for about 2 until the noodles begin to take on some color. When the noodles are warmed through, add half of the sauce we made earlier and allow the noodles to absorb it. You can cover the wok to help this happen faster. Next throw the beef back into the wok along with the remaining sauce.

Once you are satisfied that the beef is cooked through the sauce is absorbed you are done. For presentation sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds.

This is a very sweet tasting dish well worth the effort.