Knife Cut Noodles with Braised Pork
Knife Cut Noodles with Braised Pork  is a traditional dish from Shanxi Province. This dish typically consists of three main components: tender and juicy stewed meat, delicate and flavorful noodles, and a rich broth. One of the highlights of this dish is the knife cut noodles. The noodles are made by mixing flour and water to create a dough, which is then skillfully cut into thin, wide pieces using a knife. These noodle pieces are boiled in boiling water, becoming soft yet retaining a satisfying chewiness.
Servings: 3 yield(s)
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 70 mins
Ingredients
  • 1 lb (453g) boneless pork belly (cut into 1-inch / 2.54 cubes)
  • 2 tbsp (26g) vegetable oil
  • 2 green onions (cut into 1-inch / 2.54 cm pieces)
  • 1/2 tbsp (3g) ginger (sliced)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 star anise
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 4 bok choy
  • 2 green onions (chopped)
    • Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine (Chinese rice wine)
  • 3 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp Shanxi mature vinegar
  • 1/2 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
    • For the Knife Cut Noodles:
  • 2 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup water
Instructions
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the water while mixing until the dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it's smooth, about 5 minutes. Shape it into a ball, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest for 20 minutes.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok over medium heat. Add the green onions, sliced ginger, cinnamon stick, star anise and bay leaves. Sauté until fragrant.
  3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the diced pork belly. Sear it until it becomes browned on all sides.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the ingredients for the sauce and pour it into the wok. Add hot water until it covers the meat. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the wok, simmer for 30 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally during the cooking process, and remove the spices when done.
  5. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Use a noodle-cutting knife to shave the noodles directly into the boiling water. Cook the noodles for about 6-8 minutes, then transfer to a plate. In the same pot, blanch the bok choy for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  6. To serve, place a portion of the noodles in a bowl and ladle the braised pork and its sauce over the top. Garnish with boiled bok choy and chopped green onions.
Recipe Notes

If you're unsure how to make knife-cut noodles, you can purchase pre-made noodles from the store.