Delicious Dry Ban Mian Recipe A Simple and Flavorful Homemade Noodle Dish

Ban Mian is a popular Asian noodle dish that is enjoyed for its chewy handmade noodles and rich umami flavors. While the soup version is well loved the dry version offers a delicious alternative with a savory sauce that coats each strand of noodle perfectly. This Dry Ban Mian recipe is simple to make and packed with flavor making it a great dish for a quick meal at home.

What is Dry Ban Mian

Dry Ban Mian is a variation of the traditional Ban Mian where the noodles are served without soup but tossed in a fragrant soy based sauce. It is often topped with ingredients like minced pork mushrooms leafy greens and crispy anchovies for added texture and taste. The combination of chewy noodles savory sauce and crunchy toppings makes this dish a favorite among noodle lovers.

Ingredients for Dry Ban Mian

For the Noodles

• 200 grams fresh Ban Mian noodles or any thick wheat noodles
• Water for boiling
• 1 teaspoon cooking oil to prevent sticking

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon black vinegar optional for a tangy kick
• 1 tablespoon chili oil optional for spice

For the Toppings

• 150 grams minced pork or chicken
• 3 dried shiitake mushrooms soaked and sliced
• 1 tablespoon dried shrimp optional for extra umami
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce for marinating
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 1 handful spinach or bok choy
• 2 tablespoons crispy fried anchovies ikan bilis
• 1 soft boiled egg optional
• 1 tablespoon chopped spring onions for garnish
• Fried shallots for extra crunch

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1 Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl mix together the light soy sauce dark soy sauce oyster sauce sesame oil sugar black vinegar and chili oil if using. Stir well and set aside.

Step 2 Cook the Noodles

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the Ban Mian noodles according to package instructions usually for 2 to 3 minutes until al dente.
2. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. Toss the noodles with a teaspoon of oil to prevent them from sticking together and set aside.

Step 3 Prepare the Toppings

1. In a pan heat a little oil and fry the dried shrimp until fragrant. Remove and set aside.
2. Using the same pan sauté the minced garlic until fragrant then add the minced pork.
3. Stir fry until the meat is no longer pink then add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and dried shrimp.
4. Season with soy sauce and stir well. Add cornstarch water mixture to thicken the sauce slightly.

Step 4 Blanch the Vegetables

1. In the same pot of boiling water used for the noodles blanch the spinach or bok choy for 30 seconds then remove and set aside.

Step 5 Assemble the Dish

1. Place the cooked noodles in a serving bowl.
2. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and toss well to coat evenly.
3. Top with the cooked minced pork and mushroom mixture.
4. Add the blanched vegetables and a soft boiled egg if desired.
5. Garnish with crispy fried anchovies chopped spring onions and fried shallots.

Step 6 Serve and Enjoy

Give everything a final mix before eating to ensure the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly. Enjoy your homemade Dry Ban Mian with an extra side of chili oil or pickled green chilies for an added kick.

Tips for the Best Dry Ban Mian

• Use fresh Ban Mian noodles for the best texture. If unavailable you can use other wheat noodles.
• Adjust the sauce to your taste by adding more vinegar for tanginess or chili oil for heat.
• Fry your own shallots and anchovies for extra freshness and crunch.
• For a richer taste add a spoonful of braised mushroom sauce or a splash of homemade stock.

Conclusion

Dry Ban Mian is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together chewy noodles savory sauce and delicious toppings for a satisfying meal. Whether you are a fan of traditional Ban Mian or trying this dish for the first time making it at home is easy and rewarding. Enjoy this hearty bowl of noodles any time with your favorite ingredients and variations.

FAQs 

1. What is Dry Ban Mian?

Dry Ban Mian is a noodle dish tossed in a savory soy-based sauce and topped with minced meat, mushrooms, crispy anchovies, and vegetables.

2. Can I use other noodles instead of Ban Mian?

Yes, you can substitute Ban Mian noodles with other thick wheat noodles like Udon or even flat egg noodles for a similar texture.

3. How do I make the sauce more flavorful?

Enhance the sauce by adding more oyster sauce, black vinegar for tanginess, chili oil for spice, or a spoonful of braised mushroom sauce.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, replace the minced pork with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetarian oyster sauce for a meat-free version of Dry Ban Mian.

5. How do I store leftover Dry Ban Mian?

Store the noodles and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat by steaming or tossing in a pan with a little water.

Also read: Restaurant Yong Xin Abalone Noodles: A Taste of Luxury and Tradition