Noodle Jelly in Red Oil, known as “凉粉” (Liáng Fěn) in Chinese, is a Sichuan dish renowned for its unique texture and spicy flavor. Here’s a detailed description:
Ingredients:
- Noodles: The dish typically features translucent, wide, and flat noodles made from starch, often mung bean starch or pea starch.
- Sauce: The noodles are drenched in a flavorful sauce consisting of red chili oil, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and sometimes sesame paste.
- Toppings: Common toppings include julienned cucumber, wood ear mushrooms, bean sprouts, and occasionally sliced meat or tofu.
Preparation:
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Noodles: The Liang Fen noodles are first cooked and then cooled, giving them a gelatinous and jelly-like texture.
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Sauce: The sauce is a crucial component, typically made by combining red chili oil for spiciness, soy sauce for saltiness, vinegar for tanginess, minced garlic for aromatic depth, and sometimes sesame paste for a nutty flavor. The precise proportions may vary based on personal preferences.
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Toppings: The cooled noodles are then generously coated with the spicy red oil sauce. Toppings such as julienned cucumber, wood ear mushrooms, and bean sprouts are arranged on top.
Presentation: Noodle Jelly in Red Oil is often served in a bowl, showcasing the vibrant colors of the sauce and toppings. It’s a visually appealing dish with a spicy aroma.
Taste Experience: The dish delivers a multi-sensory experience with its jelly-like noodles, spicy and flavorful red oil sauce, and the crunchiness of fresh vegetables. The combination of different textures and the bold, spicy flavors make Noodle Jelly in Red Oil a memorable and satisfying dish.
Noodle Jelly in Red Oil is a popular street food in Chengdu, celebrated for its refreshing yet fiery taste, making it a must-try for those seeking an authentic Sichuan culinary experience.