Yibin Ranmian (Yibin Flaming Noodles)

Yibin Ranmian

　　　　Originally known as Xufu Ranmian, Yibin Ranmian has been a traditional snack in Yibin since the Qing Dynasty’s Guangxu era. This local specialty is made primarily with high-quality local wheat noodles, combined with Yibin yellow sprouting cabbage, small-grind sesame oil, fresh lard, star anise, sand ginger, sesame seeds, peanuts, walnuts, golden chili peppers, premium Sichuan peppercorns, monosodium glutamate, as well as supporting ingredients such as scallions, pea shoots, or spinach leaves. The noodles are first boiled, then drained and excess starch is removed to eliminate the alkaline taste, before being stir-fried with traditional seasonings and oils. Yibin Ranmian is characterized by its loose, bright red appearance, enticing aroma, balanced spiciness and numbness, and delicious, refreshing taste. It can be served either as a drink accompaniment or as a filling meal. Owing to its heavy oil content and lack of moisture, the dish can even be lit on fire—hence the name “Ranmian” (Flaming Noodles). Affordable and unique, this dish is beloved not only by locals but also highly praised by both domestic and international visitors.

　　Main Ingredients: Wheat noodles, crushed rice sprouting cabbage.

　　Ingredients: Peanuts, soybeans, cooking oil, scallions, ginger, Sichuan peppercorns, spice powder, chili oil, soy sauce, monosodium glutamate, etc.

　　Preparation Method:

　　1. Roast peanuts and soybeans in a dry hot pan until fragrant, then crush and set aside.

　　2. Heat cooking oil to about 60% heat, then add Sichuan peppercorns, ginger, and spice powder to infuse the oil with flavor, and set aside.

　　3. Boil the wheat noodles in a generous amount of broth just until cooked, then remove, shake off excess water, and place in a bowl.

　　4. Immediately mix in a small amount of reserved cooking oil to evenly coat the noodles.

　　5. Add crushed rice sprouting cabbage, peanuts, ground soybeans, scallions, soy sauce, monosodium glutamate, and other ingredients, then serve.

　　Features: Numbing, spicy, fresh, and aromatic — a traditional Yibin delicacy.