Chongqing Noodles (Xiao Mian) is a famous street food dish from the city of Chongqing in southwestern China. Known for its bold and spicy flavors, the dish features a simple yet delicious combination of chewy noodles topped with a fiery, aromatic sauce made from Sichuan peppercorns, chili oil, and soy sauce. This dish is beloved for its numbing heat from the peppercorns and the deep, savory richness from the sauce. It’s a perfect balance of spice, heat, and umami, often garnished with scallions, peanuts, and pickled vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 200g fresh wheat noodles (or any noodle of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili oil (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns (crushed)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon chopped scallions (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon crushed peanuts (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon pickled mustard greens (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the Noodles:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, sugar, and chili oil. Stir to mix.
- In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil and sesame oil over medium heat. Add the crushed Sichuan peppercorns, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan, and sauté for another 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce:
- Place the cooked noodles in a bowl. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the noodles, then drizzle the hot oil with Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, and ginger over the top of the noodles to infuse them with flavor.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped scallions, crushed peanuts, and pickled mustard greens for added flavor and texture.
- Toss the noodles to coat them evenly with the sauce before serving.
Chongqing Noodles are best enjoyed immediately, with the perfect balance of spicy, numbing heat from the Sichuan peppercorns and the rich, savory sauce. This dish is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, flavorful food!
