Spicy buckwheat noodles with chicken by Liu Shaokun

Ingredients for Liu Shaokun's spicy buckwheat noodles with chicken

• 720 ml chicken stock or water

• 450 g skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

• 75 g dried buckwheat noodles (such as soba noodles)

• 15 ml peanut oil

• 45 ml Chinese black vinegar

• 15 ml light soy sauce

• 15 ml dark soy sauce

• 15 ml chilli oil containing sesame oil (such as Chiu Chow Chilli Oil from Lee Kum Kee), plus some sediment from jar

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 g caster sugar

• 1 g salt

• 3 spring onions (green parts only), thinly sliced

• 30 g soy nuts (roasted salted soybeans)

How to make Liu Shaokun's spicy buckwheat noodles with chicken

1. Bring the broth to a simmer in a 2.5-litre saucepan. Add the chicken and simmer, uncovered, for 6 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and cover it. Let the chicken stand until cooked through, about 15 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate to cool for at least 10 minutes, reserving the broth for another use.

2. While the chicken is poaching, bring 4 litres of salted cold water to a boil in a 5- to 6-litre saucepan over moderate heat. Stir in the noodles, followed by 120 ml of cold water. Once the water returns to a boil, add another 120 ml of cold water and bring it back to a boil again, stirring continuously. Repeat this step once more, or until the noodles are just tender but still firm and chewy throughout.

3. Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse well under cold water to cool, then drain thoroughly. Toss the noodles with peanut oil in a large bowl.

4. In another bowl, stir together the vinegar, soy sauces, chile oil (with sediment), garlic, sugar, and salt until the sugar is dissolved. Add this mixture to the noodles and toss until they are evenly coated.

5. Shred the chicken into strips about 0.5 cm wide using your fingers, and add it to the noodles, tossing to combine. Sprinkle with chopped scallions and soy nuts before serving.

Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.