Shanxi Doujiao Zhanmian (Battered Green Bean Noodles)

Experience the unique textures of Shanxi Doujiao Zhanmian, where fresh green beans are encased in a delicate batter, boiled to perfection, and served alongside a sizzling, spicy-tangy tomato dipping sauce.

Ingredients

• 250 g fresh green beans
• 100 g all-purpose flour
• 50 ml water
• 1 egg
• 1 pinch lemon juice
• 2 tomatoes
• 2 scallions
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp five-spice powder
• 1 tsp white sugar
• 3 tbsp cooking oil
• to taste salt

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the batter

   

   In a large metal bowl, combine flour, water, salt, a pinch of lemon juice, and an egg. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until it reaches a smooth consistency that is thick enough to coat the green beans without dripping off during the boiling process.

   Tip: The lemon juice helps keep the batter light and provides a subtle brightness to the dish.
2. 2Prepare the green beans

   

   Take fresh green beans, wash them thoroughly, and trim the woody ends off each bean. Cut them into your preferred uniform lengths to ensure even cooking.

   Tip: Pat the beans dry after washing; a dry surface helps the batter adhere much better.
3. 3Blanch the green beans

   

   Bring a pot of water to a boil, adding a pinch of salt and a small amount of oil. Add the green beans and boil for 6 to 7 minutes until they are just cooked. Remove and drain well.

   Tip: The oil in the water helps keep the green beans vibrant and prevents them from drying out.
4. 4Coat the beans

   

   Once the blanched green beans are dry, dip each one into the prepared yellow batter, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides.

   Tip: Use a spoon to lift the beans from the batter to ensure excess liquid drips off, preventing a clumpy coating.
5. 5Boil the coated beans

   

   Carefully drop the batter-coated green beans into a pot of boiling water. The beans will sink initially, but once they float to the surface, they are fully cooked.

   Tip: Work in small batches to prevent the beans from sticking together in the pot.
6. 6Prepare the dipping sauce

   

   In a pan, sauté chopped scallions until fragrant, then add the diced tomatoes. Cook until they soften and release their juices. Season with salt, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, and a touch of five-spice powder to taste.

   Tip: Press down on the tomatoes while sautéing to speed up the process of releasing their natural juices for a thicker sauce.
7. 7Season the tomato sauce

   

   In a bowl containing the prepared tomato sauce, add the minced garlic, chili powder, toasted sesame seeds, and a pinch of white sugar. These aromatics and seasonings are essential for building the depth and spicy-tangy profile of the final dipping sauce.

   Tip: Ensure the tomato sauce is warm when adding these aromatics to help release their natural fragrances.
8. 8Infuse with hot oil

   

   Carefully heat oil until it is shimmering and nearly smoking. Pour the hot oil directly over the garlic, chili powder, and sesame seeds in the tomato sauce bowl. The sudden heat will sizzle the seasonings, instantly extracting their oils and creating a highly aromatic, fragrant dipping sauce.

   Tip: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or grapeseed oil, for the best results.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions