6 ounces bean thread noodles (preferably 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide)
3 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
12 fresh shiitake mushrooms, coarse stems removed and caps halved
4 heads baby bok choy (1pound total), leaves removed and bulb cut into thin wedges
4 scallions, cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
1 pound large shrimp, shelled
2 cups chicken broth
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon Asian sesame oil
1 small jícama (1 pound), peeled and cut into 2-inch-long julienne
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
Accompaniment: lime wedges
Directions
Soak noodles in cold water to cover 15 minutes. Drain and cut in half with scissors.
Heat a wok or large heavy skillet over high heat until a bead of water dropped on cooking surface evaporates immediately. Swirl 1 tablespoon peanut oil in wok to coat evenly and heat until just smoking. Stir-fry onion, ginger, and red pepper flakes 1 minute. Add mushrooms and stir-fry until just tender, about 2 minutes. Transfer mixture to a large bowl and season with salt.
Swirl another tablespoon peanut oil in wok to coat evenly and heat until just smoking. Stir-fry bok choy until barely tender, then add scallions and salt to taste and stir-fry until bok choy is crisp-tender. Add to mushroom mixture.
Pat shrimp dry and season with salt. Swirl remaining tablespoon peanut oil in wok and heat until just smoking. Stir-fry shrimp 2 minutes, or until just cooked through, and transfer to bowl with vegetables.
Add broth and garlic to wok and bring to a boil. Stir noodles into broth and boil until tender and most of broth is absorbed, 4 to 5 minutes.
Return shrimp and vegetables to wok and stir-fry until heated. Stir in sesame oil, jícama, and salt to taste.
