Spicy noodles with minced pork, vegetables and sesame seeds

Ingredients:

• 225 g of thin Chinese lo mein noodles
• 340 g of minced pork
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp. chopped peeled fresh ginger
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup chopped pickles, plus 1/4 cup brine from jar
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp. garlic sauce with chili pepper
• 2 tsp. brown sugar
• 2 cucumbers, cut in half lengthwise, then into thin slices
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, chopped

Preparation:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package directions. Drain and toss the noodles with 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pork and 2 teaspoons ginger. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes.
   
   Add chicken broth, pickles, 2 tablespoons each of brine, and soy sauce. Cook, scraping up any browned bits, until the liquid has evaporated, about 4 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, puree 3 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds in a blender for about 15 seconds. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil and puree until smooth.
   
   Add 1/4 cup water, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, the remaining 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons cucumber pickle juice, and 1 teaspoon ginger. Blend in a blender.
4. Drizzle each serving of noodles with sesame dressing, add pork, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds.