Lanzhou ramen, also known as Lanzhou beef noodles, is a famous traditional noodle snack in Lanzhou City, Gansu Province. It is famous for its characteristics of “Ichiqing (soup clearing), Erbai (radish white), Sanhong (chili oil red), Silu (coriander green), and Gohuang (noodles yellow and bright)”. With its unique flavor and production process, Lanzhou ramen is known as “the first noodles in China”.
Ingredients:
- Gluten flour
- Beef (or beef bones)
- butter
- turnip
- coriander
- Garlic sprouts
- chili oil
- salt
- Monosodium glutamate (optional)
- Spice packets (e.g. star anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, grass fruits, etc.)
Nutritional value:
The main nutrients of Lanzhou ramen come from high-gluten flour and beef. Cake flour is rich in carbohydrates and is an important source of energy for the human body.
Beef is rich in protein, essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, zinc and other minerals, which help muscle growth and repair, and also has a positive effect on blood replenishment and immunity.
Cooking Preparation:
- Mix the dough: Add water to the high-gluten flour and form a smooth dough, and let rise for a certain time.
- Kneading dough: Knead the proofed dough repeatedly to increase the elasticity of the dough.
- Ramen: Noodles with a uniform thickness of dough that can be pulled into different thicknesses depending on the diner’s preference.
- Boil: Put the pulled noodles in boiling water and cook until cooked through, then remove and set aside.
- Soup: Add beef and beef bones to the spice packet and simmer for several hours to make a clear soup.
- Preparation: Slice the radish, chop the coriander and garlic sprouts, and prepare the chili oil.
- Bowling: Place the boiled noodles in a bowl, add the boiled beef broth, sprinkle with coriander, garlic sprouts, add the radish slices, and finally drizzle with chili oil.
Palate and flavor:
The texture of Lanzhou ramen is characterized by the strength of the noodles, the freshness of the soup base, the spiciness of the chili oil, and the freshness of the ingredients.
The noodles are smooth and springy, the soup base is clear but rich, the chili oil enhances the flavor, and the coriander and garlic sprouts add a refreshing taste.
Suitable for:
Lanzhou ramen is suitable for most people, especially those who need to replenish energy and protein. However, due to the fact that the soup base may contain high fat and salt, patients with high blood pressure and hyperlipidemia should eat it in moderation.
Eating scene:
Lanzhou ramen is a very common choice in the daily diet, especially for breakfast or lunch. It can be enjoyed both as a quick refueling work meal or as a casual meal to share with friends and family.
In Lanzhou, ramen restaurants are dotted on the streets and are an integral part of the locals’ daily lives. At the same time, Lanzhou ramen has also been widely spread throughout the country and even around the world, becoming one of the representatives of Chinese cuisine.