Xian Noodles Recipe

Xian Noodles Recipe brings the authentic flavors of China’s Shaanxi Province straight to your kitchen. Known for their hand-pulled, wide, and chewy texture, these famous biang biang noodles are a true culinary experience that celebrates tradition, skill, and bold taste. For a creative twist, you can also explore dishes like Pasta Pesto.

Unlike typical ramen noodles, Xian noodles are handmade and “ripped” into long, ribbon-like strands that slap the counter with a signature biang biang sound. The result? A chewy, satisfying bite that pairs perfectly with savory sauces.

While this recipe highlights the savory pork jajang meat sauce and fresh vegetables, you can also explore creative twists, like pairing these noodles with a creamy queso dip for a fusion-style snack or drizzling with a sweet-savory Teriyaki Sauce to elevate the flavor profile. Inspired by the iconic dishes from Xi’an Famous Foods, this recipe brings a Northern Chinese favorite into your kitchen with a playful, modern twist.

My Personal Experience With This Xian Noodles Recipe

Xian noodles, also called biang biang noodles, are handmade wheat noodles known for their thick, chewy texture and slightly elastic bite. They are stretched and pulled by hand, giving them their distinctive width and softness.

When tossed in a rich pork jajang sauce, these noodles take on layers of deep, savory-sweet flavor. The sauce blends pork, sweet bean paste, ginger, and scallions to create a comforting, well-rounded dish.

The finished bowl is bold yet balanced the chili oil adds heat, while the pork and soybean paste bring depth and a hint of sweetness. Every strand of noodle soaks up the sauce beautifully, delivering the perfect mix of spice, umami, and chew.

Ingredients Required for Xian Noodles Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Xian Noodles

For the Noodles

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup water (adjust as needed)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Pork Jajang Sauce

• 250g ground pork
• 2 tbsp sweet flour paste (or sweet bean paste)
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing cooking wine
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 1-inch ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Vegetables & Garnish

• 1 cup green cabbage, chopped
• ½ cucumber, cut into thin slivers
• 1 tbsp chili crisp or chili oil
• Extra scallions for topping

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Mixing bowl
2. Rolling pin
3. Plastic wrap
4. Large pot
5. Spider strainer
6. Frying pan or wok
7. Tongs

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 45 minutes (including resting dough)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 2–3 people

Copycat Xian Noodles Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Xian Noodles in a delicious way.

1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour and ½ tsp salt. Gradually add ¾ cup water while kneading with your fingers until a rough dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic. Cover with plastic wrap and rest for 20 minutes.

2. Portion and Rest: Divide the dough into 100g portions. Roll each into a flat rectangle and coat lightly with vegetable oil. Layer the pieces, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to relax the dough.

3. Make the Pork Jajang Sauce: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a pan. Sauté 1-inch minced ginger and 2 sliced scallions until fragrant. Add 250g ground pork and cook until browned. Stir in 2 tbsp sweet flour paste, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sugar. Simmer until thickened.

4. Pull the Noodles: Flatten a dough piece, make a lengthwise indentation, and gently stretch it while slapping it against the counter. Tear slightly along the center to keep the width even. Repeat with remaining portions.

5. Cook Noodles and Vegetables: Boil a large pot of water. Add noodles and 1 cup chopped cabbage. Cook for about 3 minutes until noodles float and are chewy. Drain using a spider strainer.

6. Assemble and Serve: Toss noodles and cabbage with the pork jajang sauce. Add a drizzle of chili oil, sliced cucumber, and extra scallions. Mix well and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Xian Noodles

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Xian Noodles deliciously

1. Classic Style
Serve the noodles with our signature pork jajang sauce, a sprinkle of scallions, and a drizzle of chili oil this is how we enjoy it most in our restaurants.

2. With Crunchy Veggies
Add thinly sliced cucumber or lightly blanched bok choy for a fresh, crisp contrast to the chewy noodles and rich sauce.

3. Extra Spicy
For spice lovers, toss in extra chili crisp or chili oil we’ve found it brings the flavor to a whole new level without overpowering the sweet pork sauce.

4. Soft-Boiled Egg
A soft-boiled egg on top adds a creamy richness. We sometimes enjoy this on slow nights it makes each bite so indulgent.

5. With Pickled Vegetables
Pairing with lightly pickled carrots or radish balances the richness and adds a tangy crunch we love.

6. Vegetarian Twist
Swap the pork for firm tofu or tempeh and still use the sweet bean paste sauce. We tried this for a vegetarian option, and it’s surprisingly satisfying.

7. With Extra Greens
Toss in sautéed spinach, kale, or green beans this adds color and freshness, which we personally like when the sauce is thick and bold.

8. Cold Noodle Salad
Chill the noodles after boiling, then toss with sauce, cucumber, and chili oil for a refreshing summer version we often make in the warmer months.

9. With Steamed Dumplings
Serve alongside pork or vegetable dumplings for a complete, comforting meal. In our stores, this combo is always a hit.

10. Family-Style Sharing
Prepare a big batch of noodles and sauce and let everyone assemble their own bowls with toppings this is how we enjoy it best during gatherings.

Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This Xian Noodles Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks you should follow when trying this recipe.

1. Take Your Time with Dough
Don’t rush kneading. Soft, stretchy dough makes chewy noodles, and a little patience goes a long way.

2. Rest the Dough
Let it sit covered for at least 20 minutes. This makes it easier to pull and won’t break.

3. Oil the Dough
Rub a tiny bit of vegetable oil on each piece. It keeps the noodles soft and stops them from drying out.

4. Stretch, Don’t Tear
When pulling noodles, be gentle. If you pull too hard, they can break. Slow swings work best.

5. Watch the Water
Make sure your pot has plenty of boiling water. Noodles cook best when they can float freely.

6. Cook Cabbage Quick
Add cabbage or veggies in the last minute so they stay crunchy and fresh.

7. Don’t Overcook the Pork
The meat cooks fast. Once it’s browned, add the sauce. Overcooking makes it dry.

8. Balance the Sauce
Taste as you go. Add a pinch of sugar if it’s too salty or a little soy if it needs depth.

9. Serve Fresh
Noodles are best right out of the pot. They get sticky if they sit too long.

10. Have Fun
Mistakes happen! Pulling noodles takes practice. Enjoy the process and maybe slap a few noodles for fun.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Xian Noodles Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store leftover noodles and sauce separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the sauce in a pan and briefly re-boil the noodles or steam them for 1 minute. Toss together before serving to restore the original chewy texture.

FAQs on this Copycat Xian Noodles Recipe

When you give this Xian Noodles Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. Can I make these noodles without a rolling pin?

Absolutely! We sometimes just use our hands to flatten the dough slightly before pulling. A rolling pin helps, but hand-shaping works fine too.

2. Can I use store-bought noodles instead of making them?

You can, but nothing beats the chewy texture of hand-pulled noodles. We usually make ours fresh it’s part of the fun!

3. How do I know when the noodles are cooked?

They float in the water and feel chewy but not mushy. That’s our favorite texture. Taste one to be sure!

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely. Swap the pork for tofu or mushrooms, and use the same sweet bean paste sauce. We’ve done this in the kitchen and loved it.

5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Cover it in plastic and refrigerate for a few hours. It actually rests nicely and is easier to pull after chilling.

6. What if my noodles break while pulling?

Don’t worry it happens to everyone at first. Be gentle, stretch slowly, and make sure the dough has rested enough.

7. Can I use this sauce with ramen noodles?

Totally. We’ve served it with ramen before it’s not traditional, but it tastes amazing and still carries the sauce well.

8. How spicy is this dish?

It depends on your chili oil. We like a good kick, but you can adjust to taste. The sauce itself is more sweet and savory than fiery.

9. Can I freeze the noodles?

We don’t recommend it fresh noodles taste best. Freezing can change the texture and make them mushy.

10. Can I make this for a crowd?

Yes! Just double or triple the ingredients. We often make big batches in our kitchen and let everyone pull their own noodles it’s fun and interactive!

This Xian Noodles Recipe captures the true soul of Shaanxi-style hand-ripped noodles chewy, flavorful, and unforgettable. Whether you’re a ramen noodles enthusiast or a noodles and company fan, this dish brings a new level of authenticity to your table. Try making it at home, experiment with spice levels, and share your creation online. Tag your photos let’s keep the love for biang biang noodles alive!

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

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