Grace Young updates this staple of American Chinese restaurants by topping the mildly spicy noodles with slivers of prosciutto.
3/4 pound dried chow mein noodles or thin spaghetti
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons peanut oil
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup chunky peanut butter, preferably natural
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4 cup chicken stock or low-sodium broth
Kosher salt
1 1/2 ounces prosciutto, sliced 1/8-inch thick, cut into matchsticks
1 scallion, thinly sliced
1 Kirby cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into matchsticks
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the chow mein noodles until al dente, about 8 to 9 minutes. Drain the noodles, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Return the chow mein noodles to the pot and toss with the sesame oil.
Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat the peanut oil until shimmering. Add the garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring just until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add the peanut butter, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, sugar, and crushed red pepper; stir to form a paste. Add the stock and stir until smooth; season with salt.
Pour the peanut sauce over the noodles. Add the prosciutto and scallion and toss until the noodles are coated. Add about 1/4 cup of the reserved cooking water and toss until the sauce is creamy, adding more water as needed. Transfer the noodles to bowls, garnish with the cucumber, and serve.
