SERVES 2 - 4

Do not rinse the chao mian noodles after you cook them; the starch on the surface helps them ''grab'' the garlic flavor. Serve them with Red-Cooked Pork, if you like.

1 lb. fresh chao mian-style wheat noodles
3 tbsp. peanut oil
6-8 minced peeled garlic cloves
2 tsp. Japanese soy sauce
1 tsp. oyster sauce
Salt

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add wheat noodles and cook until just tender, about 2 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, heat peanut oil in a wok or large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic cloves and stir-fry until fragrant and soft, about 30 seconds. Drain noodles, then immediately add to wok. Add soy sauce and oyster sauce and season with a little salt. Toss noodles in wok until mixed well and hot but not fried, 1-1 1/2 minutes.