Fun-Shaped Pea Starch Noodles (Lou Yu Yu)

Cooking StepsHow to cook Fun-Shaped Pea Starch Noodles (Lou Yu Yu) step by step

Cooking Process

1. 
   Step 1 Detail

   Mix 1 small bowl of pea starch with 1 bowl of cold water, stirring until smooth. The starch-to-water ratio should be 1:1 (scale up using this same ratio for larger batches).

2. 
   Step 2 Detail

   Pour 4 small bowls of water into a pot, add 1 tsp of salt for baseline flavor and to improve the noodles’ elasticity. Heat over medium-low until small bubbles form on the bottom, then slowly pour in the starch slurry in a thin stream while stirring constantly.

3. 
   Step 3 Detail

   Keep stirring until the mixture turns completely translucent, then turn off the heat.

4. 
   Step 4 Detail

   Pour the hot translucent paste through a slotted spoon or steamer rack directly into a bowl of cold water — the strands will form as they drop through the holes.

5. 
   Step 5 Detail

   The paste must be strained into cold water for the noodles to set and hold their shape.

6. 
   Step 6 Detail

   Let the noodles cool completely, then drain well.

7. 
   Step 7 Detail

   Transfer to serving bowls. Season with 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp aged vinegar, plus salt, chicken bouillon powder, sugar, and chili oil to taste (omit chili for kids). Top with minced garlic, cilantro, and sliced bird’s eye chili. Toss everything together.

8. 
   Step 8 Detail

   Dig in — you’ll absolutely love it!