Hot and Sour Sweet Potato Noodles ｜ 酸辣粉

酸辣粉 (Suan La Fen), also known as Hot and Sour Sweet Potato Noodles, is a popular Chinese street food known for its spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. Here’s how you can make it at home:

Ingredients

For the noodles:

• 200g sweet potato noodles (or mung bean noodles)

For the soup base:

• 1 liter chicken or vegetable broth
• 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon black vinegar (Chinkiang vinegar)
• 1-2 tablespoons chili oil (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1-2 tablespoons fermented black beans (optional)
• 1 tablespoon doubanjiang (spicy fermented bean paste)
• Salt to taste

For the toppings:

• Chopped scallions
• Fresh cilantro
• Crushed peanuts
• Pickled mustard greens (optional)
• Bean sprouts
• Cooked ground pork or beef (optional)
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the noodles:
   • Soak the sweet potato noodles in warm water for about 30 minutes or until they soften. Alternatively, cook them according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the soup base:
   • In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns. Sauté until fragrant.
   • Add the fermented black beans (if using) and doubanjiang, and sauté for another minute.
   • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
   • Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Season the soup:
   • Add the soy sauce, black vinegar, and chili oil to the soup. Adjust the quantities according to your taste preference for sourness and spiciness.
   • Add salt to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
4. Assemble the dish:
   • Divide the soaked or cooked sweet potato noodles into serving bowls.
   • Ladle the hot and sour soup over the noodles.
5. Add toppings:
   • Top each bowl with chopped scallions, fresh cilantro, crushed peanuts, pickled mustard greens, bean sprouts, and sesame seeds.
   • If desired, add cooked ground pork or beef for additional flavor and protein.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the 酸辣粉 hot, and enjoy the complex, flavorful combination of spicy, sour, and savory tastes.

Tips

• Adjust the amount of chili oil and black vinegar based on your preference for heat and tanginess.
• The pickled mustard greens add a nice tangy crunch, but you can skip them if you prefer.
• Sweet potato noodles are traditional, but you can substitute with other types of noodles if necessary.

Enjoy your homemade 酸辣粉, a delicious and flavorful Chinese street food!