Is it cold water or hot water for lye noodles?

Lye noodles are one of China's traditional noodle dishes, representing the unique charm of Chinese noodle culture. Unlike ordinary noodles, lye noodles are processed with alkaline substances to give them a special taste and texture. And in the process of making lye noodles, the controversy between putting cold water in the pot and hot water in the pot never stops.

Cold water in the pot: can maintain the texture of noodles

Those in favor of cold water in the pot argue that using cold water can maintain the texture and taste of lye noodles. Because lye noodles are fragile, they tend to break or soften during the heating process, making them less flavorful. Cold water in the pot avoids this problem and prevents the noodles from sticking together, while also making them more elastic and chewy, with a better flavor.

According to professional chefs, the best temperature for cold water in the pot should be around 15-20 degrees, so that the noodles can be slowly softened by the water to maintain its toughness, and also make the noodles more bite-sized and elastic. After cooking, pour the noodles into cold water to cool, which will also make the noodles taste better. And using cold water under the pot can also save gas resources, advocating the concept of environmental protection.

Hot water: fast cooking and easy to season

However, there are others who believe that hot water should be used, as it is faster and more efficient, and less prone to sticking. It's also easier to add seasonings, making the noodles more flavorful.

If you are preparing pasta for your family at home, you may prefer to use hot water. This is because it can be more convenient and quicker, which is good for the practicalities of the home kitchen. And the pasta will be smoother, not partially cooked and look better.

Conclusion

Different people have different tastes and habits of making pasta, so cold water under the pot and hot water under the pot are both fine. However, it should be noted that if you want a better taste, it is recommended to try using the cold water under the pot method, the texture will be more outstanding. If you are pressed for time or are making pasta at home, hot water undercooking is also a good option. Finally, no matter which method of lowering the pot is used, strict time control is key, so as not to let the pasta overcook or become too soft. Only by doing it correctly can you make more delicious and flavorful lye noodles.