Ingredients

• 2 packets ramen or other instant noodles, uncooked, seasoning discarded (Note 1)
  
• 1.5 tbsp vegetable oil (or any mild-tasting oil)
  
• 400g / 14 oz mushrooms, sliced (any variety)
  
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
  
• 2 tsp sesame oil (or additional neutral oil) (Note 2)
  
• 5 green onion stems (shallots/scallions)
  
• 1/2 cup water + 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth  (plus a splash more water if needed)

• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (Note 3)
  
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin; Note 4)
  
• 2 tsp hoisin sauce (or extra oyster sauce)

Instructions

1. Mix all Sauce ingredients in a small bowl (excluding the broth/water mixture).
2. Cut green onions into 5 cm / 2-inch lengths. Keep the white parts separate from the green tops.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add mushrooms and cook for about 3 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and sesame oil, cooking until the mushrooms and garlic turn golden.
5. Add the Sauce mixture and the white parts of the green onions. Cook for 1 minute until the mushrooms caramelise.
6. Push the mushrooms to the edges of the pan to make space in the center.
7. Pour in the water + chicken broth mixture, then gently press in the dry noodle cakes.
8. Cook 45 seconds, flip the noodles, then cook another 30 seconds before breaking them apart with tongs.
9. Add the green parts of the green onions. Toss everything together, adding a little extra water if you prefer it saucy.
10. Serve immediately.

1. Instant noodles: Any basic instant ramen or “2-minute noodles” work well. Discard the seasoning packet. Oversized packets may need breaking to fit the pan.
   
2. Sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil brings deeper flavour but untoasted works fine.
   
3. Dark soy sauce: Provides colour and richness. Regular soy works; the sauce will just be lighter.
   
4. Oyster sauce: Vegetarian versions exist. Hoisin can be substituted.
   
5. Adjust water as needed depending on your noodle brand’s cook time.
   
6. When scaling the recipe, use a larger pan; break noodles to fit if needed.
   
7. Nutrition information is for one serving.