Description
Spicy potato noodles, also known as Suan La Fen in Chinese cuisine, are a flavorful and comforting dish featuring chewy potato starch noodles in a spicy, tangy broth. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for those who love bold, savory flavors with a hint of heat.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Noodles and Broth:
- 200 g potato starch noodles (or sweet potato noodles)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms (shiitake or wood ear), sliced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon black vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorns (optional, for numbing heat)
- 1–2 tablespoons chili oil (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Toppings (Optional):
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Green onions, sliced
- Crushed peanuts or toasted sesame seeds
- Blanched greens (bok choy, spinach, or Chinese broccoli)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the potato starch noodles according to the package instructions (usually 6–8 minutes).
- Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to remove excess starch. Set aside.
- Prepare the Broth:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Build the Flavor:
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in the soy sauce, black vinegar, sugar, and ground Sichuan peppercorns. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to combine flavors.
- Add the Spice:
- Stir in the chili oil and sesame oil. Adjust the chili oil quantity based on your heat preference. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or vinegar if needed.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked potato noodles to the broth, tossing gently to coat them in the flavorful soup. Heat for 1–2 minutes.
- Divide the noodles and broth into serving bowls.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Top with your choice of cilantro, green onions, crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, or blanched greens. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If you can’t find potato starch noodles, substitute with glass noodles or rice noodles for a similar texture.
- For added protein, include tofu cubes, poached eggs, or shredded chicken.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns.