Hot And Sour Noodles

Hey there! If you love spicy food with a tangy twist, you’re in for a treat with these hot and sour noodles, also known as Suan La Fen. This dish hails from the Sichuan region in China, and trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! It’s the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and sour flavors, making it the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re a noodle lover or a spice enthusiast, this dish will quickly become one of your favorites.

Method

Prepare the Pork

Start by heating oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ginger paste and let it fry for a few seconds until you can smell the fragrant aroma. This step helps release the full flavor of the ginger. Now, add the pork mince to the pan. Fry the pork for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes nicely browned and slightly crispy. This step enhances the texture and flavor of the meat.

Season the Pork

Once the pork is browned, it’s time to add the seasonings. Pour in the oyster sauce, doubanjiang (fermented chili paste), shaoxing wine, and mix everything together. Stir well to ensure the pork is evenly coated with the sauce mixture. Allow this to cook for another 2-3 minutes so that the flavors meld together. The doubanjiang will add depth and a spicy kick, while the shaoxing wine gives it a slight sweetness and complexity.

Cook the Noodles

While the pork is cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook your sweet potato noodles according to the package instructions. Make sure to stir the noodles occasionally to prevent them from sticking together. Once the noodles are ready, drain them and set them aside.

Make the Spice Mix

In a heatproof bowl, combine the minced garlic, whites of the spring onions, sesame seeds, salt, five-spice powder, chili powder, and Sichuan peppercorn powder. These ingredients will form the spicy, aromatic base of the dish. Next, heat the 1.5 tablespoons of hot oil in a separate pan until it starts to shimmer. Carefully pour the hot oil over the spice mixture in the bowl. The heat from the oil will bring out the essential oils in the garlic, chili powder, and spices, creating a powerful aroma. Stir the mixture well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.

Add the Liquids

To the spice mix, add the soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, chicken powder (or skip it if using chicken broth), and sugar. Stir everything thoroughly to dissolve the sugar and blend the ingredients. The soy sauce adds umami, while the black vinegar provides a tangy contrast to the spices, making this dish both savory and sour. The chicken powder enhances the flavor profile, but if you prefer a lighter broth, feel free to skip it and use chicken stock instead.

Finish the Dish

Now, pour the hot water or chicken stock into the bowl, mixing well to combine with the spice mixture. The broth should be rich and flavorful. Add the cooked noodles to the bowl, making sure the noodles are fully submerged in the broth and evenly coated with the spicy liquid. Stir everything gently to ensure that the noodles absorb the flavors.

Serve

Finally, top your noodles with the seasoned pork, roasted peanuts, chopped coriander, and the green parts of the spring onion. These toppings will add crunch and freshness to the dish. If you like it extra spicy, drizzle some chili oil crisp over the top for an additional kick. Serve hot, and enjoy your flavorful, homemade hot and sour noodles!

Necessary Tools

• Frying pan
• Pot for boiling noodles
• Heatproof bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and chopping board

Serving Suggestions

This dish is a perfect meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a crispy spring roll for added texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some pickled vegetables on the side to balance out the heat. For a little extra freshness, a squeeze of lime just before serving brings everything together!

Fun Fact

Did you know that Sichuan cuisine is famous for its bold flavors, especially the use of Sichuan peppercorns? These tiny little peppercorns create a unique, numbing sensation on your tongue, which perfectly balances the spicy and sour components of the dish. It’s what gives Suan La Fen its addictive, tongue-tingling effect!

Conclusion

There you have it! These hot and sour noodles are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. The combination of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, this dish will definitely spice up your day. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!