Cantonese Clam and Douchi Glass Noodle Stir Fry

Alright, let's get this Cantonese Clam and Douchi Glass Noodle Stir Fry on the table! This is a dish bursting with umami from the fermented black beans, the sweetness of fresh clams, and the satisfying chew of glass noodles. It's quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Cantonese Clam and Douchi Glass Noodle Stir Fry (豉汁蚬肉粉丝煲)

Yields: 2-3 servings Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the Clams:
  • 1 kg (2.2 lbs) Fresh Manila Clams (or other small, sweet clams), scrubbed and purged of sand (see notes below)
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing Wine
  • 1 inch Ginger, thinly sliced
  • 1 stalk Scallion, cut into 2-inch segments
• For the Noodles:
  • 150g (5.3 oz) Dried Glass Noodles (Cellophane Noodles, Mung Bean Threads), soaked in warm water for 15-20 minutes, or until pliable
• For the Douchi Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp Fermented Black Beans (Douchi), rinsed and roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp Garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Ginger, minced
  • 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
  • 1 tsp Dark Soy Sauce
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp White Pepper
  • 1/4 cup Chicken Broth (or water)
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch
• For the Stir Fry:
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • 1/2 Red Bell Pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 Green Bell Pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium Onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 stalks Scallions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
  • 1-2 Birds Eye Chilies (optional, adjust to taste), finely chopped
  • Sesame Oil, for drizzling

Equipment:

• Large Wok or Skillet
• Small Bowl
• Colander
• Pot for steaming clams

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Clams:
   • In a large pot, add enough water to steam the clams. Place clams in the pot and add Shaoxing wine, sliced ginger, and scallion segments. Cover and steam over high heat until the clams open (about 5-8 minutes). Discard any clams that do not open.
   • Once cooled slightly, remove the clam meat from the shells. Reserve the clam juice (about 1/2 cup to 1 cup). Strain through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or paper towel to remove any sand or grit. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Douchi Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, combine the chopped fermented black beans, minced garlic, minced ginger, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, white pepper, chicken broth/water, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.
3. Soak and Prep the Noodles:
   • Drain the soaked glass noodles thoroughly in a colander. Use scissors to cut the noodles into shorter, more manageable lengths (about 6-8 inches). This prevents them from clumping together.
4. Stir Fry Time!:
   • Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
   • Add the white parts of the scallions, sliced onion, and sliced bell peppers to the wok and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until slightly softened and fragrant.
   • If using, add the chopped chilies and stir-fry for another 30 seconds.
   • Pour the Douchi sauce into the wok and stir-fry for about 1 minute, until it thickens slightly.
   • Add the drained glass noodles and stir-fry to coat them well with the sauce. Use chopsticks or tongs to toss the noodles and prevent them from sticking.
   • Add the reserved clam meat and clam juice to the wok. Gently stir-fry until the clams are heated through and the noodles have absorbed some of the sauce (about 2-3 minutes). Be careful not to overcook the clams, or they will become rubbery.
5. Serve:
   • Transfer the clam and noodle stir-fry to a serving dish or individual bowls.
   • Drizzle with a little sesame oil.
   • Garnish with the chopped green parts of the scallions.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Chef's Notes & Tips:

• Clam Safety: The most important thing is to use fresh, live clams. To purge the clams of sand, soak them in cold, salted water (about 3.5% salinity - like seawater) for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours, before cooking. Change the water a couple of times.
• Clam Substitutions: If you can't find Manila clams, other small, sweet clams like littleneck or cockles will work. You can also use pre-cooked clam meat, but it won't have the same fresh flavor. Add it during the last minute of cooking, just to heat it through.
• Noodle Hydration: Don't over-soak the glass noodles, or they will become mushy. They should be pliable but still have a bit of bite.
• Douchi Power: Fermented black beans (Douchi) are a key ingredient in Cantonese cuisine. They add a salty, savory, and slightly funky flavor. You can find them in most Asian grocery stores. If you can't find them, you can try substituting with black bean sauce, but the flavor will be different. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.
• Heat Control: Stir-frying requires high heat. Make sure your wok or skillet is screaming hot before adding the ingredients.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the stir-fry, such as Chinese broccoli (gai lan), snow peas, or mushrooms.

Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying Cantonese stir-fry! Bon appétit!