LONG LIFE FERTILITY NOODLES WITH HAPPY SHRIMP RECIPE

For birthdays, new year and weddings, noodles are served to represent long life. Don’t be tempted to cut the noodles, or you’ll be “cutting your life short.” You may not be Chinese, but really, there’s no harm in covering all your bases. I mean, who knows what deity drew the short straw and was appointed to be in charge something so boring like “lifespan? So, I created one easy dish that covered all your important bases – sort of cramming in as much good fortune as possible on one plate. The sesame seeds and pea pods in the noodles symbolize fertility (remember, if you don’t want children, substitute with any greens, bean sprouts or sliced bamboo shoots.) Shrimp, in Chinese, is pronounced “haa” which sounds like laughter, and may your marriage be full of happiness.

6 ounces thin spaghetti noodles

7 ounces shrimp deveined

1 tsp kosher or sea salt divided

1 ½ tsp cornstarch

1 ½ cup snow peas sliced thin on diagonal

1 ½ cup matchstick cut carrots

1 garlic clove finely minced

1 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry)

1 ¼ tsp sesame oil

1 tbl sesame seeds

1 tbl cooking oils

Bring a stockpot of water to boil. Add 1 tsp of salt to water and cook thin spaghetti, according to package directions. Drain well. While pasta is cooking, place shrimp in a small bowl and add the remaining ½ tsp of salt and the cornstarch. Mix well and let sit for 8 minutes. Rinse the shrimp well, washing off the salt and cornstarch. Pat very dry with paper towels.

In a wok or large skillet, heat cooking oil on high until hot but not smoking. Add shrimp and fry until just starting to change color, about 1 minute. Remove, keeping as much oil in wok as possible. Turn heat to medium and add garlic. Fry until fragrant, about 10 seconds then add the snow peas and carrots. Fry briefly, add the soy and rice wine. Turn heat to high and add the drained spaghetti noodles and shrimp. Toss well to combine. Let cook for 2 minutes, until shrimp is cooked through. Toss with sesame oil and sesame seeds.

Yields 2 auspicious servings

Cuisine: Chinese

Main Ingredient: Noodles

Servings: 4 Servings

Total Time (median): 0 : 37

Active Time: 0 : 25