The origin of Youpo Noodles

In the loess land of the northwest, there is a popular Qin-flavored snack in the north and south of the Yangtze River - Youpo Noodles. It is famous for its chewy and smooth noodles and spicy and mellow seasoning, which has become an unforgettable taste bud memory for diners. How did this delicious bowl of fried noodles come about?

According to legend, in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, there lived a man named Yuan Yao in Yuanjiagou Village, Qishan County, Shaanxi Province. Yuan Yao came from a poor family and made a living by selling pulp water (a fermented bean drink). One time, Yuan Yao saw someone selling noodles in the market, and he thought of selling noodles. But he couldn't make noodles, so he asked an old man selling noodles for advice. Seeing Yuan Yao's sincerity, the old man taught him how to make noodles.

Yuan Yao followed the old man’s instructions and made chewy noodles. In order to make the noodles more flavorful, he boiled pork suet into oil and poured it on the noodles, then added garlic, chili, Sichuan peppercorns, coriander and other seasonings. Unexpectedly, this bowl of noodles was very popular, with diners praising its delicious, spicy and endless aftertaste.

Since then, Yuan Yao’s oily noodles have become popular in Qishan County. Later, with the flow of population and the development of transportation, Youpo Noodles gradually spread to all parts of the country. In different regions, youpo noodles are integrated into the local food culture, forming a variety of flavors.

Today, Youpomian has become a gourmet business card of Shaanxi Province and is deeply loved by diners at home and abroad. Its chewy noodles and spicy and mellow seasoning make people want to stop eating. If you have the opportunity to come to Shaanxi, you might as well taste a bowl of authentic Youpo Noodles and experience the delicious food and cultural heritage unique to Qin.

Characteristics of Youpo Noodles

The characteristics of Youpo Noodles are mainly reflected in the noodles, seasonings and production techniques:

Noodles: The noodles of Youpo Noodles are generally Made with high-gluten flour, it is repeatedly kneaded and proofed to form a chewy texture. The thickness and shape of noodles vary according to the eating habits of different regions. Common ones include thin noodles, wide noodles, pulled noodles, etc.

Seasoning: The seasoning of Youpo Noodles mainly includes lard, garlic, chili, Sichuan peppercorns, coriander, etc. The oily noodles made from boiled pork suet have a rich and mellow aroma. The spiciness of minced garlic, the heat of chili peppers, the numbing aroma of Sichuan peppercorns, and the fragrance of coriander all contribute to the unique flavor of oily noodles.

Production process: The production process of oil noodles is very particular. First, cook the noodles, remove them from the cold water and drain them. Then boil the pork suet into boiling oil and pour it on the noodles. Finally, add garlic, chili, pepper, coriander and other seasonings, and mix well.

The nutritional value of Youpo noodles

Youpo noodles are not only delicious, but also rich in nutrients. Noodles are rich in carbohydrates, which provide the energy your body needs. Suet is rich in fat, which provides calories and promotes the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Garlic, chili, Sichuan peppercorns and other seasonings are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which are good for your health.

Suggestions for eating oily noodles

When eating oily noodles, you can add other side dishes according to your personal taste, such as shredded pork, eggs, vegetables, etc. In order to avoid greasiness, you can also pair it with spicy and sour soup, such as sour soup, vinegar water, etc. Youpo noodles should be eaten while hot to enjoy their best flavor.