Chongqing Noodles

Introduction to Chongqing Noodles

Chongqing Noodles, known as Chongqing Xiaomian in Chinese, originate from the vibrant southwestern city of Chongqing in China. This dish is famous for its bold flavors, characterized by a deep, spicy, and numbing taste that comes from the signature Sichuan peppercorns. These noodles are considered a street food delicacy, embodying the spicy, numbing, and aromatic complexity that Sichuan cuisine is celebrated for.

Each bowl of Chongqing Noodles tells the story of its rich cultural heritage, with every family or street vendor laying claim to their own unique recipe. Historically, these noodles have been a staple for both the working class and gourmet enthusiasts alike, offering a convenient yet satisfying meal that delivers a punch of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

• Wheat noodles - 200g
• Chicken broth - 500ml
• Sichuan peppercorns - 1 tsp
• Dried chili peppers - 4-5 pieces
• Soy sauce - 2 tbsp
• Black vinegar - 1 tbsp
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 inch, minced
• Scallions - 2, chopped
• Coriander (cilantro) - a handful, chopped
• Crushed peanuts - for garnish
• Cooking oil - 3 tbsp
• Salt - to taste
• Sugar - 1 tsp

Preparation

Before starting the cooking process, let's prepare the ingredients. Begin by getting all your ingredients ready and organized. Mince the garlic and ginger finely. Chop the scallions and coriander. Make sure your wheat noodles are fresh or, if using dried ones, prepare them according to package instructions. Toast the Sichuan peppercorns and dried chili peppers slightly in a pan for about a minute on medium heat to release their flavor. After toasting, grind the Sichuan peppercorns and crush the chili peppers lightly.

Cooking Process

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Oil

Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring constantly to avoid burning. After about a minute, add the toasted Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers into the oil. Stir for another 30 seconds until the spices are well-infused into the oil. Turn off the heat and carefully set the spice oil aside.

Step 2: Cooking the Broth

In a pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Once boiling, add soy sauce, black vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt to the broth. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to develop the flavors. You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles and Assemble

As the broth is simmering, cook the noodles in a separate pot until al dente, as per the package instructions. Drain and divide the noodles between serving bowls. Ladle the seasoned broth over the noodles. Drizzle the prepared spice oil generously on top.

Step 4: Garnishing

• Add chopped scallions and coriander to each bowl.
• Sprinkle crushed peanuts as a final touch for added texture and flavor.

How to Enjoy Chongqing Noodles

Chongqing Noodles are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Use chopsticks to mix the noodles thoroughly with the toppings and broth, ensuring each strand is coated with the spicy, flavorful soup. Take your time to savor the complex blend of spices and the numbing sensation from the Sichuan peppercorns. Accompany your meal with a side of cold water or tea to balance the heat.