Cold noodles are a necessity for summer eating, especially in Taiwan. You can find liang mian in food stands, 24/7 convenience stores, and home kitchens. It usually consists of thinly sliced fresh cucumbers, carrots, and egg ribbons nicely arranged on top of bouncy noodles, with a healthy scoop of sesame-vinegar sauce.
As a college student in Taiwan, I would often go to one particular hole-in-the-wall cold noodle shop for a late-night slurp after a long night of drinking. It wasn’t an explicitly queer establishment, but it was near the only lesbian bar in Taipei, and it provided a sense of queer community, which was rare in my daily life. This recipe is my tribute to the spaces in Taipei that host young queer folks like me, where I got to feel free and comfortable in my own skin while having affordable, delicious food.
In my attempt to re-create Taipei-style liang mian sauce with ingredients I can easily find in the States, I was able to make a version of the dish with peanut butter, Kong Yen black vinegar (or Worcestershire sauce), and a few other easily found pantry staples. Colorful summer produce and fresh ramen noodles tie it all together. These noodles have a special place in my heart and tummy, and it’s perfect for Pride parties all summer long.
This cool, refreshing dish is a perfect make-ahead candidate. Prep the sauce, cook the eggs, and slice your veg ahead of time, then boil and shock your noodles in ice water just before serving. —Jessie YuChen
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What you’ll need
Large Nonstick Skillet
$50 At Amazon
Large Pot
$50 $37 At Amazon
Colander
$15 At Amazon
Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls, Set of 6
$29 At Amazon
Recipe information
Yield
4 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Whisk eggs in a medium bowl until no streaks remain; season with salt.
Step 2
Heat 1½ tsp. oil in medium nonstick skillet over medium-low. Pour half of eggs into skillet and swirl to coat bottom. Reduce heat to low, cover pan, and cook eggs until set and surface appears dry, about 3 minutes. Carefully slide onto a cutting board. Repeat process with remaining eggs and 1½ tsp. oil. Stack egg sheets, roll up tightly, and slice crosswise into thin strips.
Step 3
Whisk peanut butter, black vinegar, white vinegar, demerara sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ½ cup water in a medium bowl until smooth. (The mixture will be stiff at first, but keep going. It will soon relax.)
Step 4
Cook noodles in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions. Transfer to a large bowl of ice water and let sit, swishing noodles occasionally, until cold, about 3 minutes.
Step 5
Drain noodles and divide among bowls. Top with some strips of egg and some bell pepper, carrot, cucumber, and cabbage. Pour ½ cup sauce over each bowl; top with peanuts and cilantro. Serve with chili crisp alongside.
