Have you ever thought about making your own noodles at home? It might seem like a big task, but trust me, it’s easier than you think and comes with some fantastic benefits. Here are some reasons into why I am learning to make homemade noodles at home, especially from a cost and health perspective.

Cost Savings

First up, let’s talk money. Store-bought noodles might not seem expensive, but those costs add up over time. When you make noodles at home, you only need a few basic ingredients: flour, water and a pinch of salt. These are pantry staples that cost just a few bucks and can make a big batch of noodles. Plus, you can avoid all the fancy packaging costs and markups at the store.

Another bonus? You can make a variety of noodles with the same ingredients. Think about all the different shapes and flavors you can experiment with! It’s like having an endless supply of noodle options without the extra expense. So, if you’re looking to save some cash, homemade noodles are the way to go.

Health Benefits

Now, onto health. Store-bought noodles often come loaded with preservatives, additives, and who knows what else to keep them shelf-stable. When you make noodles at home, you know exactly what goes into them. No hidden chemicals or weird ingredients—just pure, fresh goodness.

Making noodles at home also means you can use whole grains or other healthy flour alternatives. This can bump up the nutritional value of your meals, giving you more fiber and nutrients than the standard white flour noodles. Plus, if you have dietary restrictions or allergies, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your needs.

Another health perk is portion control. When you’re the one rolling out the dough and cutting the noodles, you can decide how much to make. This can help you avoid overeating and maintain a balanced diet.

The Joy of Making Things by Hand

Lastly, let’s not forget the simple joy of making something from scratch. There’s something incredibly satisfying about kneading the dough, rolling it out, and creating noodles with your own hands. It’s a fun activity that can even become a family affair. Plus, the taste of fresh, homemade noodles is unbeatable.

So, why not give it a try with my recipe below? You’ll save money, eat healthier, and enjoy some delicious meals.

Handmade Chinese Noodles

Recipe by Christopher HowCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Medium

Servings

servings

Prep time

hour

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

910

kcal

Ingredients

250g of all-purpose flour
115g of water
¼ tsp of salt

Make The Dough

In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add water gradually while stirring the flour constantly to evenly distribute the liquid.
Combine with your hand into a rough-looking dough. Cover then leave to rest for 30 mins.
Knead the dough for about 3 mins until it becomes very smooth.
Flatten the dough
With a rolling pin, gradually flatten the dough into a sheet about 2mm thick. During this process, flip and turn the dough as often as necessary to achieve an even thickness. Also, remember to dust the surface and the dough with flour to prevent sticking.
Cook the noodles
Once the dough is rolled to your desired thickness, spread cornmeal over and underneath. Then fold the dough sheet into a band of 4-5 layers. Use a sharp, dry knife to cut it into thin strips.
Gently unfold and loosen the noodles with your hands.
Cut the noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a full boil. Add the noodles. Cook over high heat. Once the water boils again, pour in 120ml/½ cup cold water.
Cook the noodles for a further 1-2 mins (Taste a bit to check the doneness as the time required depends on the size of your noodles).
Rinse the noodles briefly under running water to remove excess starch then drain well. Serve in soup or with sauce and toppings.

Notes

Basic Noodle Know-How
Flour to water ratio is typically 2:1 by weight

Freezing Noodles
1) You may increase the ingredient quantity proportionally and make a bigger batch. It’s best to freeze uncooked noodles right after they’re cut and loosened.
2) Sprinkle extra flour to prevent sticking and divide them into single portions. Place them in a single layer onto a tray. Store in the freezer. Once completely frozen, transfer the noodles into an air-tight bag/container. Cook the usual way without defrosting..