Knife-Cut Noodles Recipe – Spicy, Chewy, and Totally Worth the Effort

Introduction

Knife-cut noodles recipe—three words that instantly transport me back to a tiny ramen shop in Tokyo, where I first tasted these chewy, hand-sliced strands of joy. Their bold texture and handmade charm reminded me of why I fell in love with noodles in the first place.

Hi, I’m Olivia—a noodle obsessive, food history nerd, and the creator behind Easy Noodle Recipes. My journey started in my grandmother’s Roman kitchen, stretched through Sicilian pasta houses, and landed in Asian food stalls where I learned the art of the knife-cut noodle.

In this knife-cut noodles recipe, I’ll walk you through every step—from mixing and resting the dough to slicing it by hand. It’s easier than you think, wildly satisfying, and packed with flavor and texture.

If you’ve never tried making knife cut noodles at home, now’s the time. This recipe is all about comfort, connection, and bringing a bit of noodle magic into your kitchen.

What Are Knife‑Cut Noodles?

Knife-cut noodles—also known as Dao Xiao Mian (刀削面)—are a bold and rustic Chinese noodle that hails from the Shanxi province in northern China. They’re made by shaving thick strips of dough directly into boiling water with a sharp knife, giving them their name and signature texture.

Unlike machine-made pasta, knife-cut noodles are hand-crafted, creating slightly irregular, chewy ribbons that soak up sauce like a sponge. Their dense, satisfying texture makes them a favorite in street food stalls and noodle houses across China.

In this knife-cut noodles recipe, you’ll create that same handmade experience at home—turning a simple dough into something deeply comforting and full of character.

Whether tossed in spicy garlic oil or served in rich broth, knife cut noodles are more than just a food—they’re a delicious celebration of texture, flavor, and tradition.

Want to explore how noodles became a global icon? Don’t miss How Noodles Conquered the World.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Making knife-cut noodles at home is surprisingly simple—just a few pantry staples come together to form something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:

🥣 For the Dough:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour – You can also use bread flour for a chewier texture.
• ¾ cup water – Lukewarm water helps hydrate the dough evenly.
• ½ tsp salt – Enhances the dough’s flavor.
• 1 tsp neutral oil (optional) – Makes the dough smoother and easier to slice.

Want to master dough basics? Check out our guide to Homemade Noodles Recipe for hands-on tips.

🍜 For the Sauce (Optional but Recommended):

• 3 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp black vinegar
• 2 tbsp chili oil
• 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp sugar
• Green onions & sesame seeds for garnish

🔁 Substitutions & Add-Ons:

• Gluten-free? Try all-purpose gluten-free flour blends, but note the texture will vary.
• Oil-free version? Skip the oil—just knead longer for elasticity.
• Protein? Add tofu, shredded chicken, or pork belly.
• Vegetables? Toss in bok choy, napa cabbage, or mushrooms.

Curious about noodle varieties? Explore our full breakdown of Noodle Types and Varieties to see what’s possible.

How to Make Knife-Cut Noodles (Step-by-Step)

Homemade knife-cut noodles recipe may look intimidating, but the process is actually simple—and incredibly satisfying. Here’s how to make them from scratch:

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2½ cups flour and ½ tsp salt.
2. Gradually add ¾ cup lukewarm water, mixing with chopsticks or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 1 hour at room temperature.

🧊 Step 2: Shape the Dough Block

1. After resting, knead briefly again and form the dough into a thick, rectangular block—about 5 inches long and 1½ inches tall.
2. Rub a little neutral oil on the surface to prevent drying out.
3. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest another 20–30 minutes. This makes slicing easier.

Step 3: Slice the Noodles

1. Hold the dough block with one hand and use a sharp knife to slice thin strips directly into boiling water.
2. Each slice should be about ¼ inch wide. Let the noodle fall straight into the pot.
3. Work quickly but carefully—it’s okay if they’re not perfect.

🍲 Step 4: Cook & Serve

1. Boil the noodles for 2–3 minutes, or until they float and become slightly translucent.
2. Drain and rinse briefly with warm water to remove excess starch.
3. Toss with your sauce or add directly to broth.

Pro Tip: Want to explore similar hand-shaped noodles? Try our Hand-Pulled Noodles recipe for another DIY favorite.

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What Makes Knife-Cut Noodles Special?

What sets a knife-cut noodles recipe apart from any other noodle dish? It’s the combination of tradition, texture, and technique—all sliced into each hearty strand.

✨ 1. Irregular Perfection

Each piece of knife-cut noodles is shaved by hand, creating slightly uneven edges that deliver an incredibly satisfying chew. These imperfections make every bite unique.

🔥 2. Sauce-Grabbing Power

The rustic shape of knife-cut noodles helps them cling to sauces—whether it’s garlic chili oil, soy vinegar blends, or rich broths. This is what makes the flavor explode in every slurp.

👋 3. A Handmade Ritual

There’s beauty in the simplicity of slicing dough over boiling water. This recipe honors that hands-on process, turning everyday ingredients into a bowl full of heritage.

🌾 4. A Hearty Bite

Thicker and bolder than many noodles, knife cut noodles offer a satisfying bite that works beautifully with proteins and vegetables alike.

Whether you’re making them for the first time or have mastered the technique, this knife-cut noodles recipe brings comfort, craft, and craveable texture to your table.

Hungry for more noodle inspiration? Check out Chinese Chow Mein or explore our Lo Mein Noodles for other saucy favorites.

Are Knife-Cut Noodles Healthy?

Absolutely—knife-cut noodles can be a healthy and nourishing option, especially when you make them yourself. This knife-cut noodles recipe uses just a handful of ingredients and can be customized to suit your diet.

✅ 1. Made from Clean, Simple Ingredients

At the core of this knife-cut noodles recipe is a basic dough of flour, water, and salt. No additives, no preservatives—just real food with real flavor.

🍃 2. Easy to Adapt to Your Lifestyle

• Following a plant-based diet? This knife-cut noodles recipe is naturally vegan.
• Need a low-carb alternative? Check out our Shirataki Noodles.
• Gluten-sensitive? Try experimenting with gluten-free flour blends.

🥦 3. Pair with Healthy Additions

For a balanced bowl, toss your knife-cut noodles with sautéed greens, lean protein (like tofu or chicken), and a light, flavorful sauce. It’s the perfect combo of comfort and nutrition.

🧘 4. Better Than Store-Bought

Homemade knife-cut noodles are fresher and more customizable than any packaged version. You can reduce sodium, skip unnecessary oils, and create something that truly nourishes.

For other better-for-you noodle ideas, try our Easy Spaghetti Recipe or Yaki Udon Noodles.

Serving Suggestions for Knife-Cut Noodles

One of the greatest strengths of this knife-cut noodles recipe is its adaptability. Whether you’re craving spice, savoriness, or something soothing, these noodles rise to the occasion.

🍜 1. Tossed in Sauce

Nothing brings out the texture of knife-cut noodles like a bold, umami-rich sauce. Toss them in chili garlic oil, soy sauce, black vinegar, or sesame paste. Their hand-cut edges are made for sauce absorption.

Use your knife-cut noodles as a base for:

• Lo Mein Noodles
• Chinese Chow Mein
• Angel Hair Pasta Recipe — for a textural contrast

🍲 2. In a Steaming Bowl of Broth

Drop your knife-cut noodles into a hot, aromatic broth for a meal that’s comforting and full of depth. From miso to pork bone broth, these noodles soak up flavor beautifully.

Try this knife-cut noodles recipe in:

• Ramen Noodle Recipes
• Hand-Pulled Noodles — for another handmade classic

Top your knife cut noodles with proteins like shredded chicken, braised pork, fried tofu, or a jammy egg. Add stir-fried veggies—bok choy, shiitakes, or napa cabbage—to turn this knife-cut noodles recipe into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Want inspiration for veggie-rich meals? Check out:

• Homemade Pappardelle
• Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe with a noodle twist

Whether served hot or cold, spicy or mild, this knife-cut noodles recipe delivers on texture, tradition, and taste. The more you experiment, the more ways you’ll discover to enjoy knife-cut noodles.

FAQ: Knife-Cut Noodles Recipe

🍽️ More Noodle Recipes You’ll Love

Loved this knife-cut noodles recipe? Keep the noodle inspiration going with more flavorful dishes and guides from Easy Noodle Recipes:

🍜 Noodle Types and Varieties – Your ultimate guide to exploring every noodle under the sun.

🧠 How Noodles Conquered the World – Discover how noodles became a global comfort food.

🍝 Homemade Noodles Recipe – Start from scratch with this easy, foolproof dough.

🥢 Lo Mein Noodles – Quick, savory, and full of umami.

🍜 Ramen Noodle Recipes – Dive into Japan’s most iconic noodle bowl.

🌾 Shirataki Noodles – A low-carb twist on traditional slurping.

🍝 Easy Spaghetti Recipe – A classic for busy weeknights.

🌿 Angel Hair Pasta Recipe – Light, elegant, and fast.

🍝 Homemade Pappardelle – Broad noodles, bold flavor.

🍜 Yaki Udon Noodles – Thick noodles with stir-fry flair.

🍜 Noodle Types and Varieties – Your ultimate guide to exploring every noodle under the sun.

Conclusion: Bring Knife-Cut Noodles to Your Table

There’s a deep satisfaction that comes from making a knife-cut noodles recipe by hand. Each slice into the dough connects you to generations of tradition, while each chewy strand delivers bold texture and unforgettable flavor. This isn’t just any noodle dish—it’s a culinary ritual.

When you follow this knife-cut noodles recipe, you’re doing more than cooking. You’re learning the rhythm of real noodle making. From the smooth dough to the boiling pot, every step in the process makes the final dish that much more meaningful.

Knife-cut noodles are rustic, hearty, and endlessly versatile. Whether tossed in chili oil, served in broth, or topped with veggies and protein, they offer a meal that feels both handmade and elevated. And the best part? You don’t need a pasta machine—just a sharp knife, patience, and this guide.

With this easy knife-cut noodles recipe, anyone can turn flour and water into a comforting bowl of tradition. The flavors are bold, the textures rich, and the experience unforgettable.

As you continue exploring noodle culture, try pairing your knife-cut noodles with some of our favorites—from Lo Mein Noodles to Yaki Udon or even creamy Fettuccine Alfredo. They all bring something unique to the table, just like this knife cut noodles recipe.

So keep slicing, slurping, and sharing. Because when you make knife-cut noodles, you’re not just cooking—you’re carrying on a story.