Preserved Mustard Root and Pork Noodles

Instructions

1. 1Toss the pork matchsticks with the cornstarch, 1 tsp of the soy sauce and half the ginger. Rest 10 minutes while you bring a large pot of water to a boil.

   肉丝上浆

   🔍 Look for Low heat 10 分钟 · 10 minutes

   Visual: 肉丝油亮微滑，根根分明Pork looks glossy and slightly slippery, every strand separate

   You know it's right when: 手指按压手感爽滑而非发黏Strands feel silky rather than sticky when pressed between your fingers

2. 2Heat a wok over medium-high heat with a thin film of oil. Add the scallion whites and remaining ginger and stir-fry 30 seconds until fragrant.

   爆香葱姜

   🔍 Look for Medium-high 30 秒 · 30 seconds

   Visual: 葱姜边缘浅金，油面明亮晃动Aromatics are pale gold at the edges and the oil looks glossy and shimmering

   You know it's right when: 香气先于油烟扑鼻而来The fragrance hits you before the smoke does

3. 3Add the shredded zha cai and stir-fry 1 minute, then push everything to one side and add the pork in a single layer.

   榨菜先炒

   🔍 Look for Medium-high 1–2 分钟 · 1–2 minutes

   Visual: 榨菜油亮略转深，肉丝贴锅面变白Zha cai looks glossy and slightly darkened; pork turns opaque white at the base

   You know it's right when: 冲鼻腌菜味转为咸鲜微甜香The sharp pickled smell has softened into a savoury, slightly sweet aroma

4. 4Stir the pork into the zha cai and pour in 700 ml (3 cups) boiling water all at once. It should hiss and turn cloudy within seconds.

   滚水冲汤

   🔍 Look for High heat 1 分钟 · 1 minute

   Visual: 滚水落入热锅约10秒内汤汁即转为乳白浑浊The liquid turns opaque and pale within about 10 seconds of hitting the hot wok

   You know it's right when: 30秒内重新滚沸，表面浮满细白泡沫A rolling boil returns within 30 seconds and the surface is covered in small white foam

5. 5Cook the noodles in the separate pot of boiling water until just tender, then lift them straight into two bowls.

   另锅煮面

   🔍 Look for High heat 3–4 分钟 · 3–4 minutes

   Visual: 面条胀起变软，咬开无白心Noodles are swollen and limp with no white core when bitten

   You know it's right when: 面条拉伸不断，口感爽净不发黏A strand stretches without snapping and tastes clean, not starchy

6. 6Season the broth with the remaining soy sauce and white pepper, then pour it boiling hot over the noodles. Finish with sesame oil and scallion greens.

   浇汤淋香油

   🔍 Look for High heat 1 分钟 · 1 minute

   Visual: 浅色汤中有爽脆浅色榨菜丝、嫩肉丝与漂浮葱绿Pale broth with crisp pale zha cai shreds, tender pork and floating green scallion

   You know it's right when: 凑近时蒸汽能糊住眼镜The bowl is hot enough that steam fogs your glasses when you lean over it