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–+ servings
Longevity noodles in a shallow wood bowl, topped with thinly sliced cucumber and toasted black sesame seeds.
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5 from 1 rating

longevity noodles 長壽麵

These Taiwanese longevity noodles are simple to make and have the toothsome QQ texture we love. The garlic-infused oil and toasted black sesame seeds add layers of mouthwatering flavors without complicating the dish. In just 15 minutes you can have your noodles on the table for a special occasion like Lunar New Year, birthday celebrations, or any day you need a little extra comfort.
prep time5 minutes
cook time10 minutes
total time15 minutes
servings: 4 servings (2 cups each)
author: cindy chou

ingredients

  • 4 cloves garlic peeled and slightly smashed with the side of a knife
  • 3 tablespoon canola oil
  • 3 tablespoon sesame oil
  • ¾ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt use half the amount if using sea salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 light sprinkle ground white pepper (less than ⅛ teaspoon)
  • 8 cups water
  • 8.8 ounces longevity noodles (250 grams)
  • 1 English cucumber cut into thin matchsticks (substitute: 2 Persian cucumbers)
  • 2 teaspoons toasted black sesame seeds
  • 2 teaspoons shallot sauce Bull Head brand, optional
  • ½ small Thai chili thinly sliced, optional
  • 5 sprigs cilantro washed, dried, and roughly chopped

instructions

  • In a small skillet/fry pan (8-inch), add garlic, canola oil, and sesame oil. Heat the pan over low heat for 5 minutes (the garlic should be fragrant as the oil heats up), then remove from the heat and season the oil with salt, sugar, and ground white pepper. Stir until the sugar dissolves, remove the garlic cloves, then set aside to cool.
    4 cloves garlic, 3 tablespoon canola oil, 3 tablespoon sesame oil, ¾ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt, ⅛ teaspoon granulated sugar, 1 light sprinkle ground white pepper
  • Bring 8 cups of water to boil in a medium (3-quart) saucepan over high heat. While you wait for the water to boil, prepare the other ingredients. Once the water boils, add the longevity noodles and cook over medium-high heat according to package instructions (about 2 minutes for thin noodles) until the noodles are softened, but still retain a bite to them.
    8 cups water, 8.8 ounces longevity noodles
  • Drain the noodles using a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the noodles the drain, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the seasoned oil to the noodles and stir with long chopsticks or tongs until the noodles are thoroughly coated. Divide the noodles among 4 serving bowls and top each bowl with sliced cucumber, toasted black sesame seeds, and optional ingredients like shallot sauce, Thai chili, and cilantro (if using).
    1 English cucumber, 2 teaspoons toasted black sesame seeds, 2 teaspoons shallot sauce, ½ small Thai chili, 5 sprigs cilantro
  • Serve this dish as a side or pair it with a protein source for a complete meal.

equipment and highlighted ingredients

notes

Please refer to the recipe post above for step-by-step photos, FAQs, and pro tips.
longevity noodles – Also called “long life noodles,” there are different types of longevity noodles, some thin and some thicker. The Taiwanese version are thin wheat noodles (similar to Japanese somen noodles); completely different than Chinese versions called yi mein.
The cook times will vary depending on the brand and thickness of the noodles. I like to reduce the cook time stated on the package by at least 1 minute. You can then taste the noodles to get your desired texture.
They can be found at local Taiwanese and Chinese grocery stores (such as 99 Ranch Market) or online at Weee!.
salt – This recipe uses Diamond Crystal kosher salt since it has lower sodium levels per volume, making it easier to layer the seasoning without accidentally oversalting a dish. It can be found in some grocery stores or online. *If using sea salt, use half of the amount listed in the recipe.
black sesame seeds – Black sesame seeds will taste slightly bitter if untoasted. You can sometimes find already toasted or roasted black sesame seeds at Asian grocery stores. Alternatively, use regular sesame seeds instead of black sesame seeds, but don't forget to lightly toast them as well for the added nutty flavor.
variations & additions:
aromatics and herbs – You can add 1 ounce of lightly stir-fried yellow or green Chinese chives, garlic scapes, and/or scallions for extra flavor.
pork trotters – Traditionally, longevity noodles in Taiwan are served with soy sauce braised pork trotters (especially during Lunar New Year), making this a hearty meal.
other fresh vegetables – Thinly sliced sugar snap peas, carrots, or snow peas can be used as toppings too. When in season, they can be used raw.
extra umami – add dried shiitake mushroom slices that have been rehydrated with hot water for even more mouthwatering flavor.
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