A complete guide to Chinese hand-pulled noodles. Techniques explained in detail and two shapes introduced. Following this recipe, everyone can make them with ease!
IF KNEADING BY HAND: Mix flour and salt. Add water gradually. Mix with chopsticks/spatula until no more loose flour can be seen. Combine and knead briefly into a dough. Leave to rest for 10-15 minutes (covered). Knead again for about 2 minutes until very smooth.
IF KNEADING WITH A STAND MIXER: Add flour, salt and water into the mixing bowl. Knead on low speed until a very smooth dough forms.
Coat & rest the dough
Divide the dough into two equal parts. With a rolling pin, flatten each piece into a rectangle shape (about ½ cm thick).
Thoroughly coat each piece with oil then place them on a tray. Cover with cling film then leave to rest for 1.5 hours.
Cut the dough
Bring a large pot of water to a full boil. While waiting, cut the dough.
Place one piece of dough on a chopping board. Widthways, cut it into strips: about 1 cm wide if making round, thin noodles; about 3 cm wide if making flat, wide noodles.
Pull the noodles (see note 3 for alternative method)
Pick up one strip of dough by holding each end gently. Pull towards opposite directions. The movement should be smooth and consistent.
As your arms move apart, bounce the noodle against the worktop to help it stretch further.
Fold the noodle and repeat the movement (Please refer to the video below).
Cook the noodles
Drop the pulled noodle into boiling water. Repeat the procedure to pull other strips cut from the first piece of dough.
Cook 1 minute for the thin noodles or 2 minutes for the wide noodles (While waiting, cut the second piece of dough into strips.). Transfer the noodles to a serving bowl using a pair of chopsticks.
Repeat to pull and cook the second bowl of noodles.
Serve the noodles
To avoid the noodles sticking to each other, serve immediately.
You may add a broth or mix the noodles with toppings/dressings. Please see note 4 for recipe links.
Store & Reheat
If not serving straight away, you need to briefly rinse the noodles with cold water then add a few drops of sesame oil and stir well. Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To reheat: Bring a pot of water to a full boil. Add the noodles and cook for no more than 30 seconds.
Video
Notes
1. Please be aware that measuring flour by cups is less accurate and the flour-water ratio may vary depending on the brand of your flour. Adjust accordingly. The finished dough should be medium-firm and smooth.2. You can store the dough in the fridge for next day use. After taking out of the fridge, make sure you allow enough time for the dough to go back to room temperature before pulling.3. Alternative Pulling Method: Over the boiling water, hold one end of a strip of dough and pull the other end towards the water. Drop the pulled part into the water and continue pulling the remaining part (Please refer to the video above).4. You can use hand-pulled noodles for the following dishes: