Shanxi Knife – Cut Noodles: A Staple of Chinese Cuisine

Shanxi knife – cut noodles, renowned across China, are a true masterpiece of Shanxi’s culinary heritage. Recognized for their thick, chewy texture and versatility in absorbing various flavors, these noodles are a staple in Chinese households. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to prepare this traditional delicacy.

Ingredients

For the Noodles

• 300g all – purpose flour
• 150 – 170ml warm water

For the Sauce and Toppings

• 200g minced pork
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small piece of ginger, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
• Some scallions, chopped for garnish

Preparation Steps

Making the Dough

1. Place the flour in a large mixing bowl. Gradually pour in the warm water while stirring the flour with chopsticks until it forms a shaggy dough.
2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 – 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball, place it back in the bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Preparing the Sauce

1. Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium – high heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and onion, and stir – fry until fragrant.
2. Add the minced pork to the pan and cook until it changes color. Stir frequently to break up any lumps.
3. Add the diced tomatoes to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes break down and release their juices.
4. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, sugar, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 – 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cutting and Cooking the Noodles

1. After the dough has rested, shape it into a long, thick log. Hold the log in one hand. Using a sharp, flat – bladed knife, shave off thin slices of dough directly into a pot of boiling water. Try to make the slices as even as possible.
2. Stir the noodles gently in the boiling water to prevent them from sticking together. Cook the noodles for 3 – 5 minutes until they float to the surface. This indicates they are cooked.
3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked noodles to serving bowls.

Serving

1. Ladle the prepared sauce over the noodles.
2. Garnish with chopped scallions.

Shanxi knife – cut noodles are now ready to enjoy. You can customize the sauce by adding other ingredients like mushrooms, eggs, or different types of vegetables to suit your taste.