Stir-Fried Noodles With Tofu and Peppers

Step 1

Place the noodles in a large bowl, and cover with warm water. Soak for at least 20 minutes, until soft. Drain in a colander, and cut into 6- to 8-inch lengths with kitchen scissors. Set aside, within reach of your wok or pan. Combine the broth, soy sauce, rice wine or sherry, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Combine the garlic, ginger and pepper flakes or minced jalapeño in another bowl. Have everything within reach of your wok or pan.

Step 2

Heat a 14-inch flat-bottomed wok or 12-inch steel skillet over high heat until a drop of water evaporates from the surface within a second or two. Swirl in 1 tablespoon of the oil by adding it to the sides of the pan and tilting the pan side to side. Add the tofu. Reduce the heat to medium-high, and stir-fry one to two minutes until the tofu begins to brown. Add the garlic, ginger and chili, and stir-fry for no more than 10 seconds. Add the peppers, and stir-fry two minutes. Add the broth mixture, the drained noodles, the scallions, salt and sugar. Stir-fry one to two minutes until the noodles are just tender and the broth has been absorbed. Add the cilantro, and stir-fry another 30 seconds to a minute until well combined. Serve.