Authentic Knife-Cut Noodles Recipe: How to Make Handcrafted Chinese Noodles at Home

Knife-cut noodles, also known as Dao Xiao Mian (刀削面), are a classic Chinese comfort food. Originating from Shanxi province, these thick, chewy noodles are sliced by hand directly into boiling water, giving them a unique texture that pairs beautifully with rich broths, stir-fries, or savory sauces. This recipe, inspired by Woks of Life’s take on knife-cut noodles, will walk you through the process of making these delicious, hand-sliced noodles from scratch. With a bit of practice, you’ll be enjoying an authentic bowl of knife-cut noodles in no time!

Ingredients for Homemade Knife-Cut Noodles

For the noodles:

• All-purpose flour – 2 cups
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Water – ¾ cup (adjust as needed)
• Vegetable oil – 1 tbsp (for coating the dough)

For serving:

• Chicken or beef broth – 4 cups (or your favorite broth)
• Vegetables – Bok choy, spinach, or Chinese broccoli (optional)
• Protein – Sliced beef, pork, or tofu (optional)
• Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Green onions – for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the water while stirring with chopsticks or a fork until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too dry, add a bit more water, a teaspoon at a time.
3. Form the dough into a ball, coat it lightly with vegetable oil, and cover it with plastic wrap. Allow it to rest at room temperature for 1-2 hours. This resting period makes the dough easier to slice.

Step 2: Shape and Cut the Noodles

1. After the dough has rested, knead it once more briefly and divide it into 2-3 portions.
2. Roll each portion into a thick, flat rectangle (about ¼ inch thick).
3. With a sharp knife, hold the dough over a large pot of boiling water. Carefully slice thin strips of dough directly into the boiling water. Aim for noodles that are about ¼ inch wide, but don’t worry if some pieces are uneven – the texture is part of the charm!

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

1. Let the noodles cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are tender yet chewy.
2. Use a slotted spoon to remove the noodles and transfer them to a bowl. Repeat until all dough portions are sliced and cooked.

Step 4: Prepare the Broth (Optional)

1. In a pot, bring your choice of broth to a simmer. Add soy sauce and minced garlic for flavor.
2. Add any desired protein (such as thinly sliced beef or pork) and vegetables, and cook until tender.

Step 5: Serve the Knife-Cut Noodles

1. Place a serving of noodles into a bowl, ladle the hot broth over them, and add your choice of protein and vegetables.
2. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or chili oil for extra flavor. Enjoy your homemade knife-cut noodles while they’re hot!