How to Cook Yunnan Style Rice Noodle Soup With Pork and Spicy Pickled Greens (Mixian)
Cooking Yunnan-style rice noodle soup with pork and spicy pickled greens, known as Mixian (米线), is a flavorful and comforting dish that captures the essence of Yunnan cuisine. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this delicious meal:
Ingredients:
For the soup base:
- 6 cups chicken or pork broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 2-3 whole star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the toppings:
- 200g thinly sliced pork belly or pork loin
- 1 cup spicy pickled greens (Suan Cai or Zha Cai), chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chili oil (optional)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Cooked Yunnan rice noodles (Mixian), prepared according to package instructions
Instructions:
- Prepare the Soup Base:
- In a large pot, bring the chicken or pork broth to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic, sliced ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and soy sauce to the broth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Allow the soup base to simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Pork:
- While the soup base is simmering, heat a separate skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the thinly sliced pork belly or pork loin to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Once cooked, remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Toppings:
- Chop the spicy pickled greens (Suan Cai or Zha Cai) into bite-sized pieces.
- Thinly slice the green onions and set aside.
- Assemble the Soup:
- Once the soup base is ready, remove the whole spices (star anise and cinnamon stick) from the pot using a slotted spoon.
- Add the cooked Yunnan rice noodles (Mixian) to the pot of simmering soup and cook until heated through.
- To serve, ladle the hot soup and noodles into individual bowls.
- Top each bowl with slices of cooked pork, chopped spicy pickled greens, sliced green onions, and a drizzle of chili oil (if using).
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for added flavor and color.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Yunnan-style rice noodle soup hot, with additional chili oil or soy sauce on the side for those who prefer a spicier or saltier flavor.
- Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of this comforting Yunnan delicacy!
This Yunnan-style rice noodle soup with pork and spicy pickled greens is sure to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds with its bold flavors and satisfying textures. Adjust the seasonings and toppings according to your preferences, and feel free to customize the dish to suit your taste.
https://www.saveur.com/yunnan-style-breakfast-noodle-soup-recipe/
Shaguo Mixian (砂锅米线) Yunnan Clay Pot Rice Noodles with Pork and Spicy Pickled Greens
