A Bowl of Sesame Noodles, A Thousand Years of Chinese Flavor

The Culture of Sesame Noodles

The Culture of Sesame Noodles As a traditional noodle dish in northern China, sesame noodles have a deep cultural heritage and historical significance. The following is an overview of the culture of sesame noodles:

1. Historical origin The origin of sesame noodles can be traced back to the end of the Qing Dynasty, and it was initially a daily food for ordinary families in the Beijing area. It is a simple but homey noodle dish, consisting of noodles and a special sesame sauce. Sesame sauce is usually made by stir-frying fat and lean pork with soybean paste, which is a rich and flavorful seasoning that becomes the core of the noodles.
2. Cultural Symbol For people in old Beijing, sesame noodles are not only a food, but also a cultural symbol. It has witnessed the history of Beijing, from its popularity in the late Qing Dynasty to its current status as a representative of Beijing cuisine. In Beijing, whether it is a street food stall or a high-class restaurant, sesame noodles are an indispensable food.
3. Production process The production process of sesame noodles may seem simple, but it actually requires a certain amount of skill and patience. The first step is to make the noodles, which are usually hand-rolled or cut to emphasize the gluten and texture of the noodles. Next is the preparation of the sesame sauce, which is made by dicing high-quality pancetta and stir-frying it with soybean paste, requiring proper control of the heat to ensure that the sesame sauce is flavorful and thick, but not mushy. Finally, the noodles are tossed with the sauce and a variety of vegetables such as shredded cucumber and bean sprouts, making each noodle coated with a rich sauce with a unique flavor.
4. Regional specialties Although originating in Beijing, sesame noodles are also popular in northern and northwestern China. Slightly different in ingredients and flavors, the sesame noodles in these places have retained the core element of sesame sauce, making them one of the favorite cuisines of the local people. In conclusion, as a condiment with a long history, sesame sauce has not only enriched the eating habits of Beijing and the northern regions, but has also become an important part of traditional and local Chinese culture.

Different flavors of sesame noodles in different cities

In the summer in Wuhan, what’s the best way to survive? The answer in all likelihood is – “Come to the bowl of cold noodles, more garlic water!”

However, when the bowl of life-saving cold noodles on the table, a dark current of “academic debate” will quietly open: sesame sauce, in the end should be added?

Supporting the tube that: “risk of sesame sauce cold noodles can be called Wuhan cold noodles? This is a betrayal of the hot dry noodles brother!”

In their eyes, sesame sauce is the light of the soul of the cold noodles – pure sesame oil creek sauce, delicate as silk, dripping on the fine alkaline noodles slowly flowing, and then tricky taste buds have to surrender.

The opposition sneered and counterattacked: “Sesame sauce? What’s the difference between that and hot dry noodles? Cold noodles should be refreshing!” They believe that the essence of cold noodles lies in the excitement of garlic and ginger water, the acidity of vinegar, and the spiciness of red oil, but sesame sauce? Sesame sauce? It’s just a “carb-assassin” that makes your mouth water and steals the show!

The truth may be hidden in the cracks of history: the old Wuhan cold noodles are actually eaten both north and south. The north and sichuan red oil school of sisal sauce in jiangcheng “narrowly meet”, and ultimately fusion of “fine alkali noodle base, sisal sauce, garlic vinegar sauce escort” jianghu rules.

Dusting noodles, smearing oil, placed in the cool, buy even more expensive cold noodles outside, do not properly dust, all for nothing. Side dishes also pay attention to a lot, cucumber and seaweed shredded, the simplest thing is also the most difficult, bean sprouts to go to the head and tail, peanuts have to be crushed, to say the least are details.

Only nowadays some stores wildly sprinkle half a bowl of shredded seaweed and cucumber, gourmets straight shake their heads: “This is to eat noodles or eat cold vegetables?”

It would be naive to think that cold noodles are just a battleground in Wuhan! The sectarian rivalry in China’s cold noodle jianghu is comparable to a martial arts novel:

Reject the sesame sauce! Compound soy sauce boiled with brown sugar and spices is the base, with spicy red oil, pepper, peanuts, a mouthful of “numbness, spiciness, freshness, aroma, sweetness”. The secret? The noodles are cooled not with water, but with fan blowing and stirred with vegetable oil, which makes them very springy!

Mustard + sesame sauce is standard, and cucumber shreds are piled high. Even Sichuan cold noodles have to bow down to the sesame sauce when they enter the capital.

Korean cold noodles are a “full banquet” – buckwheat noodles soaked in chilled beef broth, topped with half an egg, two slices of beef, and then lavishly layered with apples, pears and even watermelon! Sour, spicy, sweet and icy in one bite.

The people of Lanzhou have taken rebellion to a new level: cold noodles in a hot marinade! Handmade noodles are smooth and taut, splashed with a spoonful of spicy oil, the Northwest man called “save energy!

Difference between Western sauces and Chinese sesame sauce

Western sauces and Chinese sesame sauces each have their own unique characteristics and uses, which are mainly reflected in the composition, flavor and culinary uses.

1. Ingredients and production process

• Western sauces: Common Western sauces include ketchup, mustard, thyme, mint, lemongrass, basil and parsley. These sauces are mostly made from a variety of spices and vegetables by grinding and boiling, and have a variety of flavors ranging from hot and sour to refreshing.
• Chinese sesame paste: sesame paste is mainly made from ground sesame seeds, which may be white sesame paste or black sesame paste, and has a high nutritional value. The production process of sesame paste is relatively simple, mainly grinding fried sesame seeds to maintain its flavor and nutrients.

1. Flavors and Uses

• Western sauces: Due to the use of a variety of spices and raw materials, western sauces have a complex flavor and are suitable for use in a variety of cooking methods to produce dishes, such as burgers, pizza, french fries, etc., which can add flavor and texture to the dishes.
• Chinese sesame sauce: with its strong flavor and unique sesame aroma, sesame sauce is commonly used in Chinese dishes such as hot pot and stir-fry as a dip or seasoning, which can bring rich taste and aroma to the dishes.
  3、Cultural and health value
• Western sauces: In the Western diet, sauces are used as auxiliary food to increase food diversity and flavor, and they are also loved by people from different cultural backgrounds because of their unique recipes and production methods.
• Chinese Sesame Sauce: Sesame sauce has a long history in Chinese culture and is not only used as a condiment, but is also considered to have certain health values, such as calcium and blood tonic.
  In summary, Western sauces and Chinese sesame sauce each have their own unique flavors and uses, reflecting the characteristics of different food cultures.

The amazing benefits of sesame paste, a spoonful a day to fight sun aging

1, Chinese medicine perspective of sesame paste

According to Chinese medicine, sesame is sweet in taste and flat in nature, with the effect of tonifying the middle and benefiting the vital energy, moistening the five internal organs, tonifying the lungs and stopping the heart from shaking, and it can be used to treat the deficiency of the liver and kidney, dizziness, intestinal dryness, constipation, anemia and other diseases. The Divine Husbandman’s Classic of the Materia Medica recorded: “Sesame is the main injury in the deficiency, tonifying the five internal, beneficial to the qi, long muscles, fill the brain marrow. Served for a long time light body not old.” Black sesame is especially good for medicine and food, “Materia Medica from the new” mentioned its “black hair”, can be used for premature whitening of the beard, so that the hair black.

2, the nutritional value of sesame paste

Sesame paste is made from sesame seeds fried, ground, it is rich in protein, amino acids, linoleic acid, lecithin, vitamin E and minerals and other nutrients. Eating sesame paste can not only nourish the body, enhance physical strength, but also provide the body with a variety of essential nutrients, which is conducive to maintaining the normal operation of the body’s functions.

3, the health benefits of sesame seed paste

Brain health and intelligence

Sesame paste is rich in omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, can promote the intellectual development of children, is for pregnant women, lactating mothers, infants and young children to provide DHA excellent food. Chinese medicine also believes that sesame seeds can replenish the brain marrow, and have a positive effect on brain development and function.

Heart protection and lipid regulation

Lecithin in sesame paste has the function of emulsifying and decomposing fats, which can improve serum lipids and reduce blood cholesterol levels, while linoleic acid can soften blood vessels and increase their elasticity, together guarding cardiovascular health. This echoes the Chinese medicine that sesame can “moisturize the five organs” and “benefit the vital energy”.

Liver protection

Lecithin can prevent fatty liver and cirrhosis, promote liver cell regeneration, and help liver function recovery. Chinese medicine believes that the liver is the main excretory, blood, the nourishing effect of sesame paste is also beneficial to liver health.

Calcium supplement

The calcium content of sesame paste is second only to shrimp skin, much higher than milk, tofu and other common calcium food, eaten regularly on the bones, teeth and health benefits. This is in line with the theory of Chinese medicine, “the kidney is the main bone”, calcium can strengthen the kidneys, which is conducive to strong bones.

Prevention of anemia

Sesame paste is rich in iron and folic acid, is an excellent food to correct and prevent iron deficiency anemia. Chinese medicine also believes that sesame can “benefit the essence and blood”, to improve the deficiency of qi and blood is helpful.

Lowering sugar and blood pressure

Sesame paste contains high content of zinc and potassium, of which zinc and insulin synthesis, secretion and biological activity has a close relationship, while potassium has a vasodilatation, promote sodium excretion, is conducive to maintaining normal blood pressure. This is in line with the concept of maintaining health by regulating the environment within the body as emphasized by Chinese medicine.

Slow down the aging process

Sesame paste contains vitamin E, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effect, often eat sesame paste can delay aging, improve the body’s ability to resist disease. Chinese medicine emphasizes the “health and prevention of aging”, this effect of sesame paste is also in line with this concept.

Prevention of malformation

Sesame seed paste is rich in folic acid is indispensable to the development of the fetal neural tube nutrients, pregnant women can reduce the risk of fetal neural tube deformities in moderate consumption. Chinese medicine also focuses on the role of nutrition during pregnancy in the nourishment and development of the fetus.

Skin care and hair moisturizing

Sesame paste contains high calcium, high iron, high protein, high linoleic acid and rich lecithin and other nutrients, eaten regularly can increase the elasticity of the skin, so that the skin is soft and healthy, but also to prevent premature graying or loss of hair. This is consistent with the Chinese medicine that sesame can “black hair”, “moisturize the skin” effect.

Laxative

Sesame paste contains 52.7% fat and 5.9% dietary fiber, has a very good prevention and treatment of constipation. Chinese medicine also believes that sesame can “moisten intestinal dryness”, to improve intestinal function has a good effect.

10 Minute Cold Noodles with Sesame Sauce and Wasabi

Bite into it with the mellow flavor of sesame seeds and a refreshing kick! Here’s how to make it, and you can mix and match your summer veggies however you like.
Step 1: Prepare Vegetable Yardage
You can use any seasonal summer vegetable, common choices:

• Shredded cucumber
• Blanched bean sprouts
• Shredded carrots
• Sliced scallions
  Step 2: Blend the Sesame Sauce

1. use “2-8 sauce” (20% sesame paste + 80% peanut butter) – pure sesame paste will be a little bitter.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to the sauce.
3. Add warm water in small increments and slowly blend to a smooth, runny consistency.
   Step 3: Make the Spiced Base
   Mix these four ingredients in a bowl:

• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds
• A pinch of salt
  Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil until smoking and pour over the mixture to intensify the flavors, stirring well.
  Step 4: Make the sauce

1. add 2 tablespoons Chinese balsamic vinegar (or aged vinegar) to add acidity.
2. Blend in 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce for freshness.
3. Key ingredient: 1-2 teaspoons green mustard (to taste), especially in summer!
4. Whisk together all sauce ingredients.
   Step 5: Combine and Plate
5. Cook noodles (lye or wheat noodles are best) until just cooked through, then run under cold water to cool. 2.
6. Place noodles in a bowl and top with vegetable mixture. 3.
7. Drizzle with sesame and mustard sauces.
8. Toss gently to coat each noodle and serve immediately!

This recipe combines the traditional flavors of northern Chinese sesame sauce with modern mustard elements, making it ideal for cooling off on a summer day!

Cooking Tips for Cold Noodles with Sesame Sauce

1. Cook the noodles:

Add enough water to a pot, bring to a boil over high heat and add the noodles, stirring a few times to prevent sticking. Cook according to the instructions on the noodle package to the proper doneness (usually 3 – 5 minutes for handmade ramen noodles and 5 – 7 minutes for hanging noodles), remove from the pot when done, place in cold boiled water to cool, drain and set aside. This makes the noodles smoother and stops the heating process quickly to maintain the texture.

2. Make the sesame sauce:

Place the sesame paste in a bowl, add 1 – 2 tablespoons of warm water and stir with chopsticks in one direction to slowly thin the sesame paste. If it doesn’t seem smooth enough, continue to add warm water in small amounts until the sesame paste is runny. Next, add the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, chili oil, salt and minced garlic and stir well to make the sesame sauce. The reason for adding warm water to dilute the sesame paste here is to allow it to blend better with the other seasonings, while making the texture more delicate.

3. Prepare the side dishes:

Wash and shred the cucumber and carrot, blanch the bean sprouts until they are broken (boil water in a pot, add the bean sprouts when the water boils, and cook for 1 – 2 minutes), and remove from the pot and drain. Blanching can remove the bean odor of bean sprouts, while maintaining their crunchy texture.

4. Season to taste:

Place drained noodles in a bowl, layer with shredded cucumber, carrot and bean sprouts, drizzle with prepared sesame sauce, sprinkle with chopped green onion, mix well and enjoy. Try to evenly coat each noodle with the sauce so that each bite has a rich, full-bodied flavor.

Choice of ingredients

1, the choice of sesame paste:

When buying, pay attention to check the ingredient list, choose only sesame seeds and a small amount of salt pure sesame sauce, better quality. If the sesame sauce is thicker, you can also use sesame oil instead of warm water to dilute, which will make the flavor more intense.

2, side dishes with:

In addition to cucumbers, carrots and bean sprouts, you can also add cucumber, carrots and cooked crushed peanuts according to your personal preference to enrich the taste and nutrition.

3, seasoning adjustment:

Like to eat spicy can put more chili oil, like sweet and sour taste can be appropriate to increase the amount of vinegar and sugar, in accordance with their own tastes to make flexible adjustments, to make the most suitable for their sesame noodles.

Simply delicious, uncomplicated satisfaction

A bowl of seemingly ordinary cold noodles with sesame sauce carries the memories of summer and the beauty of life. Simple ingredients, uncomplicated practice, but can bring full of happiness.

Next time you are attacked by the summer heat wave, why not make a bowl of cold noodles with sesame sauce? Believe me, the smooth, appetizing and refreshing feeling will definitely make you want to have another bowl after eating!