Goyuro Lagman: The Silk Road’s Hand-Pulled Noodle Masterpiece

🌍 Cuisine: Uyghur / Central Asian
🏷️ Category: Main Course
⏱️ Prep: 45 minutes
🍳 Cook: 25 minutes
👥 Serves: 4 servings

📝 About This Recipe

Goyuro Lagman is a crown jewel of Uyghur cuisine, featuring chewy, hand-pulled noodles topped with a vibrant, stir-fried gravy of tender beef and crisp vegetables. Unlike other versions, Goyuro is characterized by its concentrated, savory sauce and the specific technique of flash-frying the ingredients to retain their crunch and color. It is a soulful, aromatic journey through Central Asia, offering a perfect balance of spice, umami, and artisanal craftsmanship in every bite.

🥗 Ingredients

The Noodles

  • 500 grams High-protein bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 250 ml Warm water
  • 1 teaspoon Sea salt
  • 4 tablespoons Vegetable oil (for coating the dough)

The Meat and Aromatics

  • 400 grams Beef tenderloin or sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain)
  • 6 cloves Garlic (sliced)
  • 1 inch piece Fresh ginger (julienned)
  • 2 pieces Star anise (whole)
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato paste

The Vegetables

  • 150 grams Chinese long beans (cut into 2-inch pieces)
  • 1 large Red bell pepper (sliced into strips)
  • 3 leaves Napa cabbage (roughly chopped)
  • 2 medium Roma tomatoes (wedged)
  • 2 pieces Celery stalks (sliced diagonally)

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons Light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Black vinegar (Chinkiang vinegar preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorn powder (toasted and ground)
  • 1 cup Beef broth (low sodium)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the dough by dissolving salt in warm water. Gradually mix into the flour until a shaggy mass forms. Knead for 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  2. 2

    Divide the dough into small cylinders, coat them generously with vegetable oil, and let them rest covered for at least 1 hour. This relaxation is crucial for pulling.

  3. 3

    While the dough rests, prepare all vegetables and meat. In Goyuro, the speed of stir-frying is key, so having your 'mise en place' ready is essential.

  4. 4

    Pull the noodles: Take a dough cylinder, roll it out thin, and gently pull while bouncing it against the counter until it reaches your desired thickness. Immediately drop into boiling water.

  5. 5

    Boil the noodles for 2-3 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly in cold water to stop the cooking, then toss with a drop of oil to prevent sticking.

  6. 6

    Heat a wok or large heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat with 2 tablespoons of oil. Sear the beef slices quickly until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

  7. 7

    In the same wok, add a bit more oil if needed. Add star anise, garlic, and ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  8. 8

    Add the tomato paste and fresh tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the oil turns a vibrant red.

  9. 9

    Toss in the long beans and celery. Stir-fry for 3 minutes on high heat. Add the bell peppers and cabbage, continuing to toss for another 2 minutes.

  10. 10

    Return the beef to the wok. Pour in the soy sauce, black vinegar, and beef broth. Season with the Sichuan peppercorn powder.

  11. 11

    Simmer the mixture for 3-5 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly but remain plenty enough to coat the noodles. The vegetables should be tender-crisp.

  12. 12

    Place a generous portion of the hand-pulled noodles in a deep bowl. Ladle the hot Goyuro meat and vegetable topping over the noodles.

💡 Chef's Tips

Resting the dough is non-negotiable; if it snaps while pulling, it needs more time to relax. Use a high-smoke point oil like grapeseed or canola to achieve the signature 'wok hei' char. If you can't pull noodles yet, use high-quality store-bought thick wheat noodles or udon as a substitute. Don't overcook the vegetables; they should provide a crisp contrast to the soft, chewy noodles. Adjust the Sichuan pepper to your liking; it provides the 'numbing' sensation typical of this dish.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of 'Laza' (Uyghur chili crisp) for those who want extra heat. Pair with a hot pot of black tea or green tea to cleanse the palate between bites. A simple side of pickled radishes or cucumbers helps balance the rich, savory sauce. Provide extra black vinegar on the table for guests to add a bright, acidic pop to their bowl.