🍽️ How to Make Benlou Mifen (Signature Rice Noodles)

🧆 Ingredients

• 200g fresh rice noodles
• 100g sliced pork or beef
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili oil
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 thumb ginger (minced)
• 2 green onions (chopped)
• 500ml chicken or pork broth
• Salt to taste
• Pickled vegetables (optional)
• Cilantro for garnish

🍳 Steps

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Rinse the fresh rice noodles gently under cold water to remove any excess starch. If using dried noodles, soak them in warm water until softened, then drain.
   • Slice the pork or beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
   • Mince the garlic and ginger finely. Chop green onions and cilantro, and prepare pickled vegetables if using.

2. Prepare the Broth:

   • In a medium pot, pour in the chicken or pork broth and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
   • Add the minced ginger and garlic to the broth. Simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
   • Taste and adjust the salt level as needed.

3. Cook the Meat:

   • Add the sliced pork or beef to the simmering broth. Stir gently to separate the slices.
   • Cook just until the meat changes color and is no longer pink (about 1–2 minutes). Avoid overcooking to keep the meat tender.
   • Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface for a clear broth.

4. Blanch the Noodles:

   • Bring a separate pot of water to a rolling boil.
   • Add the rice noodles and blanch for 30–60 seconds if fresh, or until just tender if using dried noodles.
   • Immediately drain the noodles and rinse briefly with hot water to prevent sticking.

5. Assemble the Bowl:

   • Place the blanched noodles into a serving bowl.
   • Arrange the cooked meat on top of the noodles.
   • Pour the hot, aromatic broth over the noodles and meat.

6. Season and Garnish:

   • Drizzle soy sauce, chili oil, and vinegar over the noodles according to your taste preference.
   • Sprinkle chopped green onions, pickled vegetables, and cilantro on top for added flavor and freshness.
   • Serve immediately while hot.

Key Points:

• Use fresh rice noodles for the best texture; avoid overcooking to keep them springy.
• Thinly sliced meat cooks quickly and remains tender.
• Adjust the amount of chili oil and vinegar to suit your spice and sourness preference.
• Pickled vegetables add a pleasant tang and crunch—rinse them briefly if they are too salty.
• Always serve the dish hot for maximum enjoyment.

💡 Tips

• Use fresh rice noodles for best texture.
• Adjust chili oil and vinegar to taste.
• Add pickled vegetables for extra flavor.
• Serve hot for maximum enjoyment.