Dive into the fiery depths of Sichuan cuisine with our authentic Tianshui Mian recipe! This iconic noodle dish, translating literally to "heavenly water noodles," isn't named for its celestial origins but rather the glistening, intensely flavorful sauce that coats every strand. Prepare yourself for a symphony of spice, umami, and rich textures—a perfect balance of chewy noodles, tender vegetables, and succulent protein, all brought together by a deeply satisfying sauce. Forget bland noodle dishes; Tianshui Mian is a culinary adventure that will awaken your taste buds.
The key to this recipe lies in the careful layering of flavors, from the fragrant Sichuan peppercorns to the fiery chilies and the savory depth of fermented black beans. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results at home. Ready to embark on this delicious journey? Let's begin with the step-by-step process of creating your own unforgettable bowl of Tianshui Mian.
Tools Needed
- KitchenAid mixer (or hands)
- Pasta roller
- Pot
- Spice grinder
Ingredients
- High-gluten flour (or bread flour): 500 grams
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Water: 230 grams (adjust as needed)
- Sugar
- Diced scallions
- Minced garlic
- Seasoned sweet soy sauce (Chuanchang)
- Red chili oil
- Sichuan peppercorn powder
- Sesame butter (or peanut/almond butter)
- Roasted and crushed peanuts (or other nuts)
- Roasted soybean powder (optional)
- Cornstarch
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Make the Dough and Noodles
- Whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add room temperature water, mixing until a dough forms. Use less water if possible.
- Knead the dough using a KitchenAid mixer on low speed for 15 minutes, or knead by hand until smooth and elastic.
- Roll the dough into a thick sheet using a pasta roller or by hand (see pinned comments for hand-rolling instructions). Repeat folding and rolling 6-8 times until smooth.
- Lightly wet one half of the dough sheet, fold it over, and press to remove air bubbles. Dust with cornstarch to prevent sticking and cover with plastic wrap. Let rest for 10 minutes.
- Roll the rested dough again to a thinner sheet (1/5 inch thick). Cut into noodles.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add noodles, stretching slightly, and simmer for 6-8 minutes over medium-low heat.
Step 2. Prepare the Sichuan Spicy Sauce
- Combine sugar, Sichuan peppercorn powder, roasted soybean powder, minced garlic, sesame butter, seasoned sweet soy sauce, red chili oil, crushed peanuts, and diced scallions. Mix well.
Step 3. Cook the Noodles
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add noodles, stretching slightly, and simmer for 6-8 minutes over medium-low heat.
Step 4. Combine and Serve
- Toss the cooked noodles with the sauce and serve.
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Adjust water amount based on flour brand. Use less water to form the dough.
- Homemade noodles taste better than store-bought.
- Roast Sichuan peppercorns before grinding for optimal flavor.
- Roasted soybean powder adds a unique nuttiness.
- Leftover noodles can be frozen for later use.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 2500-3000
- Fat: 50-70g
- Carbs: 400-450g
- Protein: 70-80g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the udon noodles with other types of noodles?
Yes! While udon is traditional, you can use other thick noodles like ramen, wheat noodles, or even fresh egg noodles. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary.
2. How can I adjust the spice level?
Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns you add. Start with less and add more to your preference. You can also use milder chilies if desired.
Congratulations! You've successfully navigated the flavorful journey of creating authentic Sichuan Spicy Udon Noodles (Tianshui Mian). Enjoy the fiery, delicious results of your hard work, and don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients to personalize your bowl. Now go forth and share this incredible dish with friends and family!