Recipe For Clams With Udon Noodles

Ingredients

7 ounces dried udon noodles
1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon canola oil
2 dozen littleneck clams, scrubbed and rinsed
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons Chinese black bean sauce
1/4 cup sake
1 bunch watercress (6 ounces), thick stems discarded
1 1/2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 scallion, thinly sliced
Chili oil, for drizzling

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan of boiling water, cook the udon until tender, 5 minutes. Drain and toss with 1 teaspoon of the canola oil.
2. Meanwhile, heat a wok until very hot. Add 2 tablespoons of the canola oil and when it starts smoking, add the clams. Cover and cook for 2 minutes. Add the ginger, garlic, parsley, and black bean sauce and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add the sake, cover, and cook until the clams open, about 5 minutes longer. Pour the clams and their juices into a large bowl.
3. Return the wok to high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of canola oil. Add the watercress and stir-fry until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Add the udon, oyster sauce, and butter and stir-fry until the udon is evenly coated. Return the clams and any accumulated juices to the wok and stir-fry just until combined. Transfer to the bowl, garnish with the scallion and drizzle with chili oil. Serve immediately.

Serves 4.

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