Liangban Fensi (Chinese Cold Glass Noodle Salad)

About This Recipe

Liangban fensi uses mung bean glass noodles, prized for their slippery, springy texture and ability to soak up a bold dressing without becoming soggy, making them ideal for cold noodle preparations. The noodles are boiled briefly then shocked in ice water to stop cooking and firm up their texture, tossed with crisp julienned vegetables for contrast and color against the translucent strands. A dressing built on black vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil and a touch of chile oil ties everything together, resulting in a light, refreshing dish commonly served as a cold starter or side alongside richer Chinese main courses.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 200 gmung bean glass noodles
• 1cucumber(julienned)
• 1carrot(julienned)
• 3 clovesgarlic(minced)
• 3 tbspsoy sauce
• 2 tbspblack vinegar
• 1 tbspsesame oil
• 1 tspsugar
• 1 tbspchile oil(optional)
• 2 tbspchopped cilantro(for garnish)
• 1 tbsptoasted sesame seeds(for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the noodles

   Soak or boil the glass noodles according to package instructions, usually 4-6 minutes, until tender.

2. 2

   Shock in ice water

   Drain and immediately plunge the noodles into ice water to stop the cooking and firm up their texture; drain again and cut into shorter lengths if very long.

   Shocking the noodles in ice water immediately after cooking keeps them from turning mushy or sticking together in a clump.

3. 3

   Make the dressing

   Whisk garlic, soy sauce, black vinegar, sesame oil, sugar and chile oil together.

4. 4

   Combine

   Toss the drained noodles with cucumber, carrot and the dressing.

5. 5

   Serve

   Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds, and serve chilled.

Variations

• •

  Adding shredded cooked chicken makes this a heartier main-course salad.

• •

  Some versions include bean sprouts for extra crunch.

• •

  A peanut butter-based dressing can replace the vinegar-based one for a richer, nuttier flavor.

Storage

Refrigerate up to 2 days in an airtight container; the noodles may firm up further when chilled, so let sit a few minutes at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions