# What You'll Need:
→ Noodles
01 - 8 oz dried rice noodles or lo mein noodles
→ Meat
02 - 1 lb ground pork or chicken
→ Meat Seasoning
03 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
04 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
05 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch
06 - 1/4 teaspoon white pepper or finely ground black pepper
07 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar
08 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
09 - 1 tablespoon finely minced napa cabbage, squeezed dry (optional)
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
10 - 2 tablespoons neutral oil, divided
11 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
12 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
13 - 4 green onions, thinly sliced
14 - 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage
15 - 1 cup shredded carrots
16 - 1 cup sliced shiitake or cremini mushrooms
17 - 1 cup bean sprouts (optional)
→ Potsticker-Style Sauce
18 - 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
19 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
20 - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce or hoisin sauce
21 - 1 tablespoon chili-garlic sauce or sambal oelek
22 - 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
23 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
24 - 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
→ For Serving
25 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (optional)
26 - 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
27 - Lime wedges (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add noodles and cook according to package instructions until just tender, approximately 4-6 minutes for rice noodles or 6-8 minutes for wheat noodles. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water. Toss with a few drops of sesame or neutral oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, white pepper, sugar, and salt. Place ground pork or chicken in a medium bowl. Pour seasoning over the meat and gently mix until just combined and slightly sticky. If using napa cabbage, fold in the finely minced and squeezed-dry cabbage. Set aside to marinate.
03 - In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, oyster or hoisin sauce, chili-garlic sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar or honey, and chicken broth or water. Whisk until sugar dissolves completely. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
04 - Shred cabbage and carrots, slice mushrooms, and thinly slice green onions, keeping whites and greens separated. Rinse and drain bean sprouts if using. Chop cilantro for garnish.
05 - Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Crumble in the seasoned meat in an even layer. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop browned, crisp edges, then break up and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Spoon off excess fat if needed, leaving approximately 1-2 teaspoons in the pan.
06 - Push meat to one side. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the open space, then add garlic, ginger, and white parts of the green onions. Stir for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Mix into the meat.
07 - Add mushrooms and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add shredded cabbage and carrots, then stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until cabbage is wilted but still maintains texture. Add a splash of water if the pan is dry.
08 - Pour the prepared sauce over the meat and vegetables. Toss well to coat evenly. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
09 - Add cooked noodles to the skillet or wok. Toss gently but thoroughly to combine. If too dry, add 2-4 tablespoons water or broth. Add bean sprouts in the final minute of tossing, if using.
10 - Taste and adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce, chili-garlic sauce, or a squeeze of lime. Stir in half of the green onion tops and turn off heat. Divide between bowls. Garnish with remaining green onions, cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds. Serve with extra chili-garlic sauce and lime wedges.
