
Master the art of making fresh, chewy Chinese noodles from scratch with just three simple ingredients. These versatile handmade noodles provide the perfect texture for hearty soups, savory stir-fries, or spicy chili oil dressings.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (or a large mixing bowl), combine the bread flour and salt. Whisk briefly to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
Set the mixer to low speed and gradually pour in the water in two batches, allowing the flour to absorb the liquid after each addition. If mixing by hand, use your fingers to stir and incorporate the water until a shaggy mass forms.
Knead the mixture for about 5 minutes until it forms a rough dough. If the mixer struggles to pick up all the dry flour, turn it off and use your hands to press the dough together into a ball.
Continue kneading for 10 minutes with the mixer or 15 minutes by hand until the dough is cohesive. It should be quite stiff and may look slightly lumpy; avoid adding extra water, as a firm dough is essential for the signature chewy texture.
Cover the dough with an overturned bowl or plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and the flour to fully hydrate, making the dough more pliable.
After resting, knead the dough a few more times to remove any air bubbles. Shape it into a smooth ball and use a bench scraper or knife to cut it into two equal halves.
On a lightly floured surface, roll one half of the dough into a very thin sheet, approximately 2mm thick. Dust the surface of the sheet generously with flour, flip it over, and flour the other side thoroughly.
Fold the floured dough sheet into 4 layers. Using a sharp knife, slice the noodles to your desired width (about 1/8-inch). Gently toss the cut noodles with your hands to separate the strands and coat them in flour to prevent sticking. Repeat with the second half of the dough.
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook the noodles for 1 to 3 minutes depending on their thickness. Taste-test a strand to ensure it is cooked through but still firm. Drain and serve immediately in your favorite soup or with a savory sauce.
For the best results, use high-protein bread flour to achieve maximum chewiness. If the dough is too difficult to roll out, let it rest for an additional 10-15 minutes. You can store uncooked noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze them for up to a month.





