There are three theories about the origin of instant-boiled mutton: 1. Instant-boiled mutton originated in the Yuan Dynasty and was created by Kublai Khan when he was in a hurry to meet the enemy. 2. Instant-boiled mutton originated in Qing Dynasty, and evolved from instant-boiled mutton in the "Thousand Banquets" in Kanggan period. 3. Instant-boiled mutton originated in Song Dynasty, and the scene of instant-boiled mutton was depicted in the early murals of Liao Dynasty.

The period from 960 to 1368 in Song and Yuan Dynasties was a period of further strengthening national integration and continuous development of feudal economy in China. In 907, Lu Ye Abaoji, the leader of the Khitan, established the Liao Dynasty and made Beijing its capital. After 960, Zhao Kuangyin, the general of the Zhou Dynasty, put on a yellow robe and established the Song Dynasty with Tokyo as its capital. After the establishment of the Northern Song Dynasty, the division of the Five Dynasties and Ten Countries ended.