Spicy and Refreshing Sichuan-Style Oyster Noodle Soup
Sichuan Oyster Noodles: Master the Recipe for a Rich and Flavorful Dish at Home
This recipe features Sichuan-style oyster noodles, blending fresh oysters with aromatic vegetables for a complex and satisfying meal. Follow expert tips to recreate this deep, refreshing flavor in your own kitchen. Its subtly spicy profile makes it a perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day.
Main Ingredients- 1 handful fresh oysters (approx. 100-150g)
- Noodles for 2 servings (thin wheat noodles or knife-cut noodles)
- 3 dried shiitake mushrooms
- 2 heads of bok choy
- 1 stalk of leek (white part mainly)
- 10 dried bird’s eye chilies (or adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 slices fresh ginger (thinly sliced)
Seasoning & Broth- 1/2 tsp salt (for boiling noodles)
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine or sake (to remove oyster smell)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- A dash of soy sauce or fish sauce (for final seasoning)
- 5-6 cups water (approx. 1-1.2L)
- 1/2 tsp salt (for boiling noodles)
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine or sake (to remove oyster smell)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- A dash of soy sauce or fish sauce (for final seasoning)
- 5-6 cups water (approx. 1-1.2L)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Before diving into the oyster noodle soup recipe, selecting fresh oysters is key. Oysters are at their best during their season, ensuring a rich flavor without any unpleasant smell. This recipe combines the spiciness of Sichuan cuisine with the refreshing taste of oysters. While oysters are typically enjoyed in winter, you can make this dish anytime you find fresh ones.
Step 2
First, prepare the oysters carefully. Gently swish them in lightly salted water to clean off any debris. Be careful not to mash the oysters as you clean them. Rinse them a couple more times under cold running water. Then, drain them thoroughly in a colander. This cleaning process removes impurities and enhances the fresh oyster flavor.
Step 3
A handy tip for portioning noodles: for two servings, hold your thumb and index finger in a circle; the amount of noodles that fits inside is generally considered one serving. You can use thin wheat noodles, medium wheat noodles, or knife-cut noodles based on your preference. Set the noodles aside as they will be cooked later.
Step 4
Gather all the ingredients for today’s oyster noodle soup. You’ll need noodles for 2 servings, a handful of fresh oysters, 3 dried shiitake mushrooms (rehydrated and sliced), 2 heads of bok choy (cut into bite-sized pieces), 1 stalk of leek (sliced diagonally, focusing on the white part), 10 dried bird’s eye chilies, and 2 thin slices of fresh ginger. Ginger and chilies add a pleasant spiciness and refreshing depth to the broth.
Step 5
In a deep pot or pan, heat a little cooking oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced leeks, dried chilies, and ginger slices. Sauté until fragrant. This step infuses the broth with a rich aroma and helps cut through any potential richness. Cook until the leeks turn translucent and release their fragrant scent.
Step 6
Once the aromatics are fragrant, add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and stir-fry them. The mushrooms will absorb the flavors from the oil and aromatics, deepening the overall taste. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the mushrooms soften slightly.
Step 7
Now, to eliminate any fishiness from the oysters and enhance their flavor, pour in 2 tablespoons of cooking wine or sake. As the alcohol evaporates, it will carry away any unpleasant odors, leaving behind a clean taste. Let the ingredients sauté briefly with the wine.
Step 8
After sautéing with the wine, it’s time to add the drained fresh oysters directly into the pot. Oysters cook very quickly and can become tough if overcooked, so timing is crucial. This is the perfect moment to add them.
Step 9
Turn the heat up to high and quickly stir-fry the oysters. Cook just until their surface turns opaque and they plump up slightly, releasing their delicious aroma. This quick stir-fry locks in the fresh oyster flavor and removes any gaminess.
Step 10
Once the oysters are partially cooked, add the chopped bok choy. Stir-fry them briefly, just until they wilt slightly. You want to retain their crisp texture and vibrant green color. Don’t overcook them, as they can become mushy.
Step 11
Now, pour in 5-6 cups (about 1-1.2L) of water to form the base of your noodle soup. Bring the water to a boil. As it simmers, the flavors from the oysters and vegetables will meld, creating a deep and savory broth. Let it boil vigorously, then reduce to medium heat and simmer gently.
Step 12
While the soup simmers, season it. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of cooking wine, and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil for added depth. Finally, a dash of soy sauce or fish sauce will balance the flavors. Taste and add more salt if needed. Once seasoned, reduce the heat to low to keep the soup warm.
Step 13
In a separate pot, bring plenty of water to a boil with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add the 2 servings of noodles and cook according to package directions. To ensure the noodles are perfectly chewy, add cold water 2-3 times while they boil. Once cooked, drain the noodles immediately. (Adjust cooking time based on your noodle type and preference.)
Step 14
Drain the cooked noodles and immediately rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. Gently rub the noodles while rinsing to prevent them from clumping and to enhance their chewy texture. Thoroughly drain off all the water to keep the broth clear.
Step 15
Arrange the drained noodles attractively in serving bowls. Neatly placing the noodles will make the final dish look even more appealing.
Step 16
Finally, ladle the hot, flavorful oyster soup generously over the noodles in the bowls. The rich, savory broth, infused with the essence of oysters and vegetables, will create a wonderfully satisfying experience. Savor the deep flavor and abundant aroma of the soup.
Step 17
Now it’s time to enjoy your delicious oyster noodle soup! Start with a spoonful of the refreshing, deep broth. Then, enjoy the chewy noodles, fresh oysters, and crisp bok choy together. Take a generous mouthful of noodles – it’s a truly satisfying experience. This spicy yet refreshing noodle soup is a perfect, hearty meal.
