Ma Jiang Mian
Wuhan Hot Dry Noodles
A beloved Wuhan breakfast dish featuring springy alkaline noodles tossed in a rich, savory sesame paste sauce, complemented by the crunch of pickled radish and fresh scallions. This recipe provides a quick and authentic taste of Wuhan's culinary soul.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Alkaline noodles (e.g., fresh ramen noodles or specific Chinese wheat noodles)(Look for noodles with a slightly yellow hue and a firm texture.)
- 4 tbsp Chinese sesame paste (zhima jiang)(Ensure it's pure sesame paste, not tahini, for the authentic flavor.)
- 50 g Pickled radish (suan laobo or similar preserved radish)(Finely chopped. If unavailable, substitute with finely chopped preserved mustard greens (zha cai).)
- 4 Scallions (green onions)(Thinly sliced, white and green parts separated.)
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce(Light soy sauce is recommended.)
- 2 tbsp Chili oil(Adjust to your spice preference. Include chili flakes if desired.)
- 1 tbsp Sesame oil(Toasted sesame oil for aroma.)
- 4-6 tbsp Hot water(For thinning the sauce. Use boiling water.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the sauce base: In a medium bowl, combine the Chinese sesame paste, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Gradually whisk in 4-6 tablespoons of hot water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and has a pourable consistency, similar to heavy cream. Set aside.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil (approximately 2 liters or 8 cups). Add the alkaline noodles and cook according to package directions, typically 3-5 minutes, until they are al dente and have a springy, chewy texture. Avoid overcooking.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 3
Drain and rinse the noodles: Once cooked, immediately drain the noodles thoroughly in a colander. Briefly rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch, which prevents them from clumping. Drain very well.
⏱️ 1 minute - 4
Warm the noodles: Return the drained noodles to the empty pot or a heatproof bowl. Pour about 1-2 tablespoons of the hot noodle cooking water over them and toss gently to warm them through. This step ensures the noodles are hot when served.
⏱️ 30 seconds - 5
Assemble the dish: Divide the warmed noodles among four serving bowls. Spoon the prepared sesame sauce evenly over the noodles in each bowl. Drizzle with chili oil, then top generously with the chopped pickled radish, sliced scallions (both white and green parts), and any extra chili flakes if desired.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 6
Serve immediately: Toss everything together just before eating to ensure the noodles are well coated with the sauce and toppings. Enjoy the complex flavors and textures.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to Ma Jiang Mian is the texture of the noodles – they should be firm and springy, not mushy.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili oil and pickled radish to achieve your preferred balance of heat, saltiness, and tang.
- ✓If you can't find Chinese sesame paste, a good quality, unsweetened tahini can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- ✓For a richer sauce, you can add a teaspoon of dark soy sauce or a pinch of sugar to the sesame paste mixture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add cooked shredded chicken or pork for a more substantial meal.
- Incorporate blanched leafy greens like bok choy or spinach.
- Top with a fried egg for added richness.
- Use different types of pickled vegetables for varied flavor profiles.