Although the name literally means “tomato egg noodle,” the Beijing dish xihongshi jidan mian is actually a soup. It is a staple in Chinese home cooking because it is simple and inexpensive. This isn’t a soup that is reserved only for cold days; it’s perfect even in the summer as it is not too dense. This soup is supposedly good for your skin’s elasticity. No one will want to turn down a bowl of something that is delicious, nutritious AND makes you look good!
Prepare all the ingredients at once, because when the cooking begins, you will need everything on hand. Wash and dice 1 big tomato, set aside. Beat one egg in a bowl. In a separate bowl, dissolve two teaspoons of cornstarch in two tablespoons of water. In a third bowl, place about half a liter hot water and dissolve 100 grams of glass noodles. You may opt to break up the noodles into bit-size lengths before soaking them, or leave them long. Chop up some spring onions for garnish.
Use a wok if you have one, but if you don’t a pot will do. Pour in one cup of water, turn on the heat and bring to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, take the egg, give it one last brisk whisk, then pour it slowly into the boiling water. Do not stir. Once the egg fluffs up and is cooked, add in the tomato. Spoon in the cornstarch/water mixture, stirring as each spoonful hits the boiling water. Boil for one minute over high heat. Turn down the heat and sprinkle a little salt and pepper into the mixture. For extra flavor, you may want to crush up half a bouillon cube, and add it in as well.
Drain the water from the noodles and place the noodles into the wok or pot. Turn off the heat and stir the noodles into the soup.
Serve immediately with a sprinkling of spring onions as an option.
Bon appetit!
Try this recipe? Let us know how you liked it in the comments below.
Photo by Dana Cosio-Mercado
Dana is the beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent. Originally from the Philippines, she moved to Beijing in 2011 (via Europe) with her husband, two sons and Rusty the dog. She enjoys writing, photography, theater, visual arts, and trying new food. In her free time, she can be found exploring the city and driving along the mountain roads of Huairou, Miyun and Pinggu.
