Xinjiang Style Noodles Recipes

CHINESE HAND-PULLED NOODLES

Steps:

• Place flour in a large bowl and gradually mix in water. Mix until dough comes together; knead until smooth, 15 to 20 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 15 minutes.
• Knead dough again for 2 minutes; cover and let rest for 15 minutes.
• Knead dough one more time for 2 minutes. Divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 3/8-inch-thick sheet. Brush both sides of each sheet with oil. Stack sheet together; cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Fill a large saucepan with water and bring to the boil.
• Place one sheet of dough on a cutting board and slice into 1/8-inch-wide strips. Take one end of a strip in each hand and stretch it until it is 30 to 35 inches long. Fold it in thirds and stretch again to the same length; shake and slap against the counter several times to lengthen it to 2 to 3 yards. Drop it into the boiling water. Add 2 to 3 more strips of noodles to the boiling water; cook until tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer drained noodles to a serving bowl.
• Repeat with remaining sheets of dough.

XINJIANG STYLE NOODLES

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a wok over medium heat. Drop in the garlic, onion, lamb, and 1 teaspoon of the salt and stir-fry for about 8 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
• Add the tomatoes and their juice, the peppers, green onions, and chili oil. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add the udon noodles and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until they are tender. Drain well and divide them among 4 serving plates. Top the noodles with the sauce, scatter with the cilantro leaves, and serve.

BIG PLATE CHICKEN

Steps:

• Put the chicken pieces into a large saucepan and add enough water to cover them completely. Bring to a boil over high heat and blanch for 1 minute. Drain and rinse under cold running water. Drain again.
• Put the star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, and cinnamon stick into a spice bag.
• Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet (frying pan) over low heat, add the sugar, and stir for 1-2 minutes until the sugar is caramelized.
• Put in the chicken pieces and stir until they are fully coated in the caramel. Add the Pixian chile bean paste, dried and fresh chiles, ginger, and garlic and stir-fry over medium-high heat for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the salt, soy sauce, wine, spice bag, and enough water to cover the chicken completely. Bring to a boil.
• Put in the potatoes and carrots, cover with a lid, reduce to low heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are softened. Stir frequently to prevent burning and add water, if necessary.
• Add the bell pepper, discard the spice bag, and stir. Increase to high heat and cook until the sauce has reduced to ½ cup (4 oz).
• Transfer to a serving place and serve with the cooked noodles.