The legend of instant-boiled mutton originated in Yuan Dynasty. In those days, Kublai Khan, the commander of Yuan Shizu, made an expedition to the south. One day, the man was tired and hungry, and he suddenly remembered the dish of his hometown-stewed mutton, so he ordered his men to kill the sheep and burn the fire. Just as the cook was slaughtering the sheep and cutting the meat, the detective horse rushed into the account to report that the enemy was approaching. Hungry, Kublai Khan was so eager to eat mutton that he ordered the troops to March and shouted, "Mutton! Mutton! " The chef knew that he had a bad temper, so he used his quick wits. He cut off more than ten thin pieces of meat with a flying knife and stirred them in boiling water for a few times. When the color of the meat changed, he immediately fished it into a bowl and sprinkled with fine salt. Kublai Khan even ate several bowls, turned over and mounted the horse to lead the army to meet the enemy, and the result was a victory.

When preparing for the celebration banquet, Kublai Khan specially ordered the mutton slices. The chef chose the tender meat of the sheep, sliced it into thin slices, and served it with various seasonings. After eating it, the generals were full of praise. The chef quickly stepped forward and said, "This dish has no name yet. Please give it a name." Kublai Khan smiled and replied, "I think it's called' instant-boiled mutton'!" From then on, "instant-boiled mutton" became a palace delicacy.

There is another saying that instant-boiled mutton, also known as "mutton hot pot", began in the early Qing Dynasty. In the18th century, Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Qianlong held several grand banquets, including mutton hotpot. Later, it spread to the shops and was operated by the Muslim Pavilion. "A Hundred Stories in the Old City" says: "Mutton pot is the most common delicacy in cold years, and it must be eaten in mutton restaurant. "This way of eating is a result of the study and evolution of the nomadic heritage in the north, which has become a special flavor."