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Noodles are a big part of Chinese cuisine, and biang biang noodles are one of the most popular varieties. These wide noodles are made from wheat flour dough and have an interesting texture and flavor that is sure to please. The dough is made with wheat flour, water, and a little bit of oil, then rolled out into very thin sheets. The noodles are then cut into very long strips and boiled in water until they are cooked through. In this recipe, I will show you how to make biang biang noodles at home.
What Is Biang Biang Noodles?
Biang biang noodles are a type of Chinese noodle that originates from the Shaanxi province. The noodles are made from flour, water and salt and are hand-stretched into their characteristic thick, chewy shape. The noodles can be served with a variety of toppings, such as beef, pork or vegetables.
The noodles get their name from the sound that is made when the dough is being stretched and slapped against the counter. The word “biang” is actually onomatopoeic, meaning that it imitates the sound that it represents.
This noodles is popular throughout Shaanxi province and are considered a symbol of the region. If you’re looking for an authentic Xi’an culinary experience, be sure to try some this noodles!
What Does Biang Biang Noodle Taste Like?
One of my favorite noodle dishes is the hand-pulled noodles in garlic chili oil and Chinese black vinegar sauce. The noodles are wide and have a great chewy texture. They’re topped with a fragrant, garlicky, spicy, numbing, savory, and tangy sauce that is absolutely delicious. I love how the different flavors come together in this dish. It’s definitely one of my go-to meals when I’m looking for something hearty and satisfying.
BIANG BIANG NOODLES
How To Make Biang Biang Noodles
The flavor of biang biang noodles is unique and hard to describe. The dough is made with only flour, water and salt, so the noodles don’t have any added seasonings. However, the wheat flour gives the noodles a slightly nutty flavor which pairs well with the chewy texture.
They are usually served with a savory topping, such as beef or pork. The rich flavors of the meat compliment the noodles and create a delicious dish.
If you’re looking for a new and interesting noodle to try, biang biang noodles are a great option. The unique flavor and texture will definitely leave you wanting more!
Ingredients
Assemble the noodles
- Chili powder+pinch of salt: 2 tablespoons
- Light soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic clove , minced: 2
- Green onion , minced: 2
- Green vegetable for blanching
- Oil for brushing
Noodle dough
- All-purpose flour , 2 cups: 300 g
- Salt: 2g
- Water: 130 ml to 140ml
How To Make Biang Biang Noodles From Scratch
For those who haven’t had the pleasure of trying biang biang noodles, they’re a type of Chinese noodle that’s thick, chewy, and intensely flavorful. Here are five steps to make it:
1. Choose The Right Flour:
While there are many different recipes for Biang Biang noodles, the author suggests using British standard plain flour with a protein content between 10% and 11%. If your flour has a higher protein content, the author suggests adding cake flour to prevent the dough from being too elastic. The recommended flour-water ratio is 2:1 in weight. After kneading, the dough should be medium-firm and will get softer over time.
2. Allow Time To Rest The Dough:
The noodles get their signature chewiness from the gluten proteins in the flour, which form a strong bond when given time to rest. If you try to rush the process, you will end up with a tough and brittle dough. However, if you allow the dough to rest, it will be stretchy and elastic. This may require some patience, but it is essential for getting the perfect texture. In addition to flour, water, and salt, Biang Biang noodles also require a little bit of elbow grease. The dough is traditionally pounded with a rolling pin or mallet until it is about half an inch thick. This step not only helps to further develop the gluten proteins, but it also adds to the noodles’ distinctive chewy texture. Whether you’re a fan of chewy noodles or not, there’s no denying that they are a work of culinary art.
3. Three Stages Of Dough Resting:
For those who want to try their hand at making noodles from scratch, it’s important to plan ahead and allow enough time for the dough to rest. The dough should be kneaded and left to rest for 10-15 minutes before being worked again. Once the dough has been divided into small pieces, coat them in oil and leave them to rest for at least one hour. When ready, flatten each piece of dough into a rectangle shape before pulling it straight. With a little practice, anyone can master the art of making hand-pulled noodles.
4. How To Pull The Noodles:
There are many different methods for making noodles, but the basic process is always the same.
First, the dough is flattened and then pulled or rolled until it reaches the desired thickness.
The noodle is placed on a flat surface and broken apart in the middle, forming a loop.
Finally, the noodle is cooked in boiling water until it is soft and pliable. Whether you are making spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles, the key to success is to start with a high-quality dough and to follow the instructions carefully. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create perfect noodles every time.
5. Make A Pungent Dressing:
Biang Biang noodles are traditionally served with a dressing made from chili oil, garlic, green onions, and vinegar. This combination of flavors is both pungent and spicy, so it’s important to adjust the proportions to your taste. If you want a more mild flavor, you can reduce the amount of chili oil or garlic. For a more intense flavor, you can add more vinegar or green onions. Once you have the perfect dressing, simply toss it with your cooked noodles and enjoy.
Video How To Make Hand Noodles With Xian Food
Recipe Tips
-If you want to save time, you can purchase pre-made noodles at your local Asian market.
-If you are gluten-free, you can use a rice flour or tapioca flour dough.
-For a vegan version of this dish, simply omit the egg.
-Biang Biang noodles are traditionally served with a vinegar-based dressing, but you can also enjoy them with a variety of other sauces. Try them with your favorite hot sauce or Asian-inspired stir-fry.
NUTRITION:
- Calories: 759
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Protein: 19g
- Sodium: 1534 mg
- Carbohydrates:122 g
More Chinese Recipes:
How To Store This Noodles
Biang Biang noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, place the cooked noodles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for two hours. Once frozen, transfer the noodles to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to three months.
How To Reheat Biang Biang Noodles
To reheat, simply cook the noodles in boiling water for two minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be sure to add a little water so they don’t dry out. Serve immediately with your favorite sauce or dressing.
RAW BIANG BIANG NOODLES
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Biang Biang Noodles Made Of?
They are made from a wheat flour dough that is kneaded, flattened, and then pulled or rolled into long, thin strips. The noodles are cooked in boiling water until they are soft and pliable.
Why Is It Called Biang Biang Noodles?
The name “Biang Biang” comes from the sound that is made when the dough is flattened and pulled. The noodles are also sometimes called “chao shou” or “pao xiao”, which means “crossed hands”.
What Does Biáng Mean In Chinese?
In Mandarin, the word “biáng” (pronounced “bee-yahng”) is a onomatopoeic word that describes the sound of something hitting a surface. It can also be used to describe the sound of thunder or an explosion.
How Do You Pronounce Biang Biang Noodles?
The correct pronunciation of “biang biang noodles” is “bee-yahng bee-yahng noo-duls”.
How Many Strokes Are There In Biáng Chinese?
There are eight strokes in the Chinese character for “biáng”.
What Is The Origin Of Biang Biang Noodles?
Biang biang noodles are believed to be from the Shaanxi province in China. They gained popularity in the region due to their simple ingredients and easy-to-make dough.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! My recipe for Biang Biang noodles. I hope you enjoy this dish as much as I do. If you have any questions or comments, please let Liliana Kitchen know in the comments section below. And be sure to check out my other recipes while you’re here.
Ingredients
- - Assemble the noodles
- Chili powder+pinch of salt: 2 tablespoons
- Light soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic clove , minced: 2
- Green onion , minced: 2
- Green vegetable for blanching
- Oil for brushing
- - Noodle dough
- All-purpose flour , 2 cups: 300 g
- Salt: 2g
- Water: 130 ml to 140ml
Instructions
Noodle dough
- In a large bowl, mix salt with flour. And stir in water by batches.
- Knead the dough until smooth. Cover with plastic wrapper and rest for 20 minutes.
- Knead the dough again for several minutes until the surface is really smooth as I show in the video. Cover with plastic wrapper again and rest for another 15-20 minutes
- Prepare a plate and brush some vegetable oil on surface.
- Cut the noodle dough into halves and each half into 6 portions (as equal as possible and cover the other half with plastic wrapper to avoid drying out ). So we will end up with 12 portions
Cook and assemble the noodles
- Boil water in a pot and add noodles.
- If the noodles seem to be shrinking, stretch each strip slightly.
- Bring the large pot of water to boil again and add cold water.
- Add green vegetables to blanch. The whole cooking process should take around 4 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked noodles into a serving bowl.
- In the meantime, heat up 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a small pot until it is slightly smoky.
- Place garlic, green onion, and chili peppers on top of the noodles (mainly on the chili powders).
- Pour hot oil over everything and then add soy sauce and vinegar. Combine well
Notes
1. Biang biang noodles are typically served with a savory topping, such as beef or pork. The rich flavors of the meat compliment the noodles and create a delicious dish.
2. The dough for biang biang noodles is made with only flour, water and salt, so the noodles don't have any added seasonings. However, the wheat flour gives the noodles a slightly nutty flavor which pairs well with the chewy texture.
