Qujing Steamed Rice Noodles (曲靖蒸饵丝), originating from Qujing in Yunnan Province, have a history dating back to the 1980s. This traditional local delicacy is said to have gained fame during the Ming Dynasty when the scholar Yang Shen (also known as Sheng’an) sampled the dish during his exile in Yunnan and praised it highly. Since then, it has become a well-loved specialty in Qujing. In 2017, the traditional craftsmanship of Qujing Steamed Rice Noodles was recognized as a provincial intangible cultural heritage, highlighting its significance in Yunnan’s culinary culture.
Main Ingredients
The primary ingredient for Qujing Steamed Rice Noodles is locally produced rice cake, made from high-quality rice harvested from the Qujing riverside and Zhujiang areas. Additional key ingredients include fresh chives, mung bean sprouts, special meat sauce, homemade pickled vegetables, and spicy oil. The meat sauce is made from finely chopped fresh pork shoulder, sautéed with various condiments. The spicy oil is made with chili peppers from Qiubei, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise and cardamom from Guangxi, and high-quality shiitake mushrooms from Fujian, creating a distinctive flavor profile.
Preparation Process
The preparation of Qujing Steamed Rice Noodles involves several precise steps:
- Prepare the Rice Cake: Soak the rice cake in cold water, slice it, and then cut it into thin strips.
- Steam the Rice Noodles: Toss the rice noodle strips with a bit of vegetable oil, place them in a wooden or bamboo steamer, and steam until they are soft. Transfer to a bowl.
- Prepare the Toppings: Add blanched chives and mung bean sprouts to the steamed noodles. Season with salt, sugar, and MSG. Drizzle with specially brewed sweet soy sauce or regular soy sauce.
- Add Meat Sauce and Condiments: Top with the carefully prepared meat sauce and minced garlic. Sprinkle with homemade pickled vegetables and spicy oil.
- Mix and Serve: Mix all the ingredients thoroughly before serving.
Flavor Characteristics
Qujing Steamed Rice Noodles are known for their vibrant color, enticing aroma, and tender yet chewy texture. The noodles, made from high-quality rice, have a delicate mouthfeel. Combined with a variety of rich ingredients and unique preparation methods, the dish is both delicious and nutritious. The addition of bone soup garnished with scallions adds a deep, savory flavor, enhancing the overall experience.
If you visit Qujing, be sure to try the authentic Qujing Steamed Rice Noodles. Local eateries and restaurants offer this delectable dish. You can pair it with a bowl of bone soup for a full-flavored experience. Additionally, you can adjust the level of spiciness and flavor by adding spicy oil and other condiments to suit your taste.