When we were kids, we spent hours on the weekends at parties with other Chinese families at massive potlucks. The food was always unparalleled, always a competition to see who could make the best thing. And while I think we had always had a good contender, I will never forget my friend Helen’s mom’s spicy noodles.
My mom eventually got so sick of us talking about them that she adapted the recipe for herself so that we’d stop asking for them all the time. Hers is slightly different, but still so, so good. Below is my mom’s version, not exactly the same as the ones from Helen’s mom (I could never claim that) but still so good, and so easy to make it’s insane.
A note here that these measurements are approximate and largely to taste - we don’t measure shit in this house
Ma Family Spicy Noodles
Ingredients:
1 LB Thin Noodles (we usually use spaghetti but go off)
2 Thumb Size Ginger, minced
5 Cloves Garlic, minced (honestly do whatever you want here)
1/2 Cup Soy Sauce
1/4 Cup Vinegar
2 TBSP Sugar
1/4 Cup Lao Gan Ma Black Bean Sauce + 2 TBSP of the oil from it
2 Green Onions, diced
Steps
Cook noodles as directed on package - leave slightly under since it’ll cook more when you add the ingredients
Mince garlic, ginger (or use powders if you don’t have fresh, live your best life)
Drain noodles
Add all ingredients together besides green onions. Mix thoroughly, cook for at least 5 min more, but essentially enough time for the flavors to marry together. Adjust to taste, adding salt as needed as well.
Garnish with green onions
That’s it. Literally that’s all it is. Eat it hot, eat it cold, top it with a fried egg, live your best life.