In this episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Guy Fieri heads to Portland, Oregon, where he discovers the authentic flavors and hand-made craftsmanship at Frank’s Noodle House. Located on Northeast Broadway, just minutes from downtown, Frank’s Noodle House is a hidden gem serving up some of the best hand-pulled noodles you can find this side of Asia.
Discovering Frank’s Noodle House
Guy starts the episode by introducing us to Frank’s Noodle House, a place that his Portland-based fraternity brother Pete had never tried despite frequenting the area. “That’s too bad because I hear that they are doing the real deal Off The Hook Noodles,” Guy remarks, setting the stage for a culinary adventure.
The Star Dish: Hand-Pulled Chicken Noodles
The focus of this episode is on one of Frank’s most beloved dishes: hand-pulled chicken noodles. Guy dives right into the noodle-making process with Frank, the chef and owner.
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Making the Noodles
The process begins with simple ingredients: all-purpose flour and water. “Are we going to make the noodle? Yeah, that’s what I’m looking for,” Guy eagerly asks. The dough is kneaded by hand for an hour and a half, a labor-intensive process that builds the gluten, giving the noodles their signature elasticity and chewiness.
“Who gets the punishment of making the noodle every day?” Guy jokes, to which Frank replies with a laugh, highlighting the effort that goes into each dish.
After kneading, the dough rests for ten minutes, a cycle repeated multiple times to perfect the texture. Once the dough is ready, it is rolled out, folded, and cut into thick, spaghetti-like strands. The noodles are then boiled, transforming them into the chewy, delicious foundation for the dish.
Preparing the Chicken
With the noodles prepared, it’s time to make the chicken. Thinly sliced chicken breast, marinated in egg white, salt, and Dashi, is stir-fried in soybean oil until cooked through. Guy watches as Frank adds garlic, celery, green bell pepper, onion, and green onion to the wok, creating a fragrant base for the dish.
A splash of soy sauce and a pinch of Chinese five-spice and red chili powder bring the flavors together. The result is a savory, aromatic medley that smells as fantastic as it looks.
Guy’s Verdict
Once the components are combined, it’s time for the taste test. “This is it,” Guy says, digging into the noodles mixed with fresh vegetables and the simply marinated chicken. “Light, veggies are still crunchy,” he notes, clearly impressed with the balance of textures and flavors.
“Delicious,” Guy declares, smiling and nodding in approval. The authenticity and quality of Frank’s hand-pulled noodles have made a lasting impression on him.