Everyday Fried Noodles (Tian Tian Chao Mian)

• 1/2 small seedless cucumber, peeled and julienned

Kosher salt, to taste

• 3 tbsp. canola oil
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 lb. ground pork
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (1") piece ginger, minced
• 6 scallions, minced
• 1 1/2 tbsp. dark soy sauce
• 1 1/2 tbsp. rice cooking wine
• 1 1/2 tsp. sugar
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 6 oz. dried flat noodles, boiled and rinsed under cold water
• 1 tbsp. Asian sesame oil

1. Toss cucumbers and a pinch of salt together in a small bowl; let sit 5 minutes. Heat a 14" wok (or stainless-steel skillet) over high heat until it begins to smoke. Add 1 tbsp. oil around edge of wok; swirl to coat bottom and sides. Add carrots and onions; cook until softened, about 1 minute. Transfer to a plate; set aside.
2. Return wok to high heat and add remaining oil. Add pork, garlic, ginger, and half the scallions; cook, breaking pork into small pieces, until browned, 3-4 minutes.
3. Add soy sauce, wine, sugar, bean sprouts, and carrots and onions. Cook, stirring, until hot, about 30 seconds.
4. Add cucumbers, remaining scallions, noodles, and sesame oil; cook, tossing, until hot, about 1 minute. Season with salt.