EDIT: Looking back at this video again ~1 month later... yeah, I for sure cut these noodles too thick. 1mm would be a better guide. Sorry about that (they were still tasty though) Hey guys, a few notes: 1. Many people’ll soak and toast the yacai before using. To be honest, during testing we tried both ways… and honestly we preferred it untoasted, so we didn’t bother. I suppose it’s just that recently I’ve been binge watching those “Italian chefs react” videos and it’s been making me increasingly unconfident lol. If you feel strongly on the subject, or if you find your yacai’s too salty, soak the yacai for ~5 minutes, then toast in a wok until its dry and just beginning to stick. 2. On a similar note, after spending the hours staring/cutting the video, in hindsight I… probably cut those noodles too thick. Dammit. We’re really spoiled in being able to get fresh noodles from the market. 3. The sodium carbonate can be subbed with an equal amount of Jianshui/Kan Sui. 4. Many of the ranmian we ate in Yibin - e.g. the noodles at 1:01 - weren’t hongran. Basically, for those kinds of noodles you make the spice oil in the same way we did here, but skip the pouring it in chili. Then with the topping, add toasted chili flakes to taste… basically, add enough so that the noodles are “hot” - there should be enough that you start to get a palpable burn after a few bites, but it shouldn’t be a struggle or anything. Everyone’s spice tolerance is different - for me, that’s roughly ~1tsp to ~1/2 tbsp for that size bowl of noodles. 5. This makes at least four bowls of noodles. You might have a bit of an ingredient here or there leftover, my bad for not tightening things up on that front. But yeah, four-ish… 6. If anyone’s interested in some Chinese punk, here’s a completely non-exhaustive playlist. I should say that Beijing probably has the best scene (even still), and that Changsha’s also pretty renowned for their heavy metal. I’m definitely not a definitive source for punk/metal (we’re into more Chinese reggae/folk/indie), so I wanted to make this open for anyone to add suggestions… but then I remembered that we’re on the internet and the playlist would inevitably turn into spam. In any event: kzfaq.info/sun/PLrwj0yE_2deC2vHzKugMfiWejyrrmwSmx 7. Regarding the history of chili pepper usage in China, most sources point to Hunan being the first place it was used ~mid 17th century (it was around before that but was treated as an ornamental plant). Then during the 'repopulation of Sichuan' in the late 17th century, much of the province migrated from either Hunan or Shandong (which's why you see such a strong Sichuan-Shandong connection in their food too), and brought with them chili pepper. The first recorded use in Sichuan was in Chongqing IIRC, before moving into the Chengdu plain. I’m sure I’ll add a few more notes in a bit. If I (Chris) feel a touch less responsive than usual, it’s because this video was a bit of a beast to edit… and I kinda want to spend more time away from my computer screen today lol. As such, Reddit post’ll be out a day late too… sorry about that.

Chinese history AND a chemistry lesson alongside a recipe, truly an educational channel

I like when you add the history and culture tidbits in with the recipes.

So good!! You guys are an indispensable source for Chinese cooking wisdom. Really love the background info on the dish, too. Only complaint is that „aggressively unavailable 菜籽油“ caught me off guard and made me spew my morning tea over my phone in laughter 🤣

There is a lot of videos out there that talk about making alkaline noodles without explaining how it works. you guys finally explained this in the most efficient way i've seen. Why am I even surprised, this channel is by far the best for authentic recipes

these noodles do be yibin doe

Guys, you’re getting better and better. Content, editing, explanations. Amazing, congrats!!!

Woohoo ... I finally tracked down a nursery (in oregon) selling sichuan pepper trees and bought their last 4 plants (2 for me, 2 for a friend). There were also 2 nurseries in california, but both were out of stock. They arrive early may, but it'll probably be a full year before I see fruit. Still psyched. I'll also be trying my hand at growing bitter melon with a trellace.

1:37 "Yeah babe, I'm in a punk band." Oh? What do you play? "...the flute..."

I would not expect this channel to mention hardcore punk scene in China at all. Now my expectations are so high, please make a video about alternative genres music scene in China: techno/house/drum and bass/trance scene and rock/punk/indie/metal scene. Insanely curious about how people enjoy those types of music in China.

hey just wanted to thank you - because of your video i finally learned how to make passable noodles. i didn't do the whole dish, just the noodles, but my brother and mother literally ate them all up before i finished the final batch. also i did an experiment: made sodium carbonate from soda the way you described in the video, then made two batches with the exact same ratio of water and flour, one with the sodium carbonate and one without. and you could definitely tell the difference: the most obvious one was the colour, the one with sodium carbonate had a slightly green tint to it; and i think it was also more chewy (or i guess i could say more al dente?), which i definitely liked. also, when making sodium carbonate i wanted a way to make sure that the reaction actually did happen, and it turns out that the resulting product should have a weight of about 2/3 of the initial soda, so if you weigh it before putting it into the oven and after you will know for sure thanks again!

Tried this with Lahpet (Burmese tea leaves fermented on garlic and pickled) in place of ya cai: 100% will do again. Also, using prickly ash oil in place of rapeseed for the chili oil component compliments the pickled tea. Loving this channel not just for showing off Chinese cooking, but also the reasoning behind each ingredient so we can incorporate elements into our own cooking.

Awesome stuff. I can't believe how much relevant - and interesting - information you get in, without wasting any time. Amazing. One of my favorite yt sites right now.

The amount of detail is incredible. A history lesson intertwined within a cooking recipe!!!

This looks so good. My usual Asian grocery store is closed for renovation, so I can’t make this now. I’ll give it a go when they re-open soon. They used to have some pretty rare ingredients and now they are planning to be twice as big, so there’s a good chance I’ll find what I need.

This channel has everything. History, chemistry... and cooking!

pH difference between 8.5 and 11.5 actually translates to 1,000 stronger due to log base 10.

You guys are so great! Thank you for introducing my hometown food! The method you use is really very authentic, as the real Yibin burning noodles. Respect from local people.

God I love this channel! It's 4:00AM and I can't stop binging

That's incredible, I've learned like 4 techniques just by seeing this video.

I absolutely LOVE the history lesson to go with the recipe! Our videos are the same way in that that sorta thing adds production overhead, but I'm telling ya, in your case it's SO worth it!

The only thing keeping me from going to China and trying all the food is the huge learning curve of the language and text -- these videos are so awesome, it means so much to me that you guys make them!

I really love the combination of historical overview and recipe demonstration!

Happy New Years to you, it's good to see you two back on the job.

I like the term “aggressively unavailable “. It really speaks to the frustration of trying to find that one ingredient you’re missing.

OMG, I have been looking for a good Yibin Ranmian recipe for AGES. It used to be one of my go-to lunch items when I lived in Sichuan. Thank you sooo much! (This just came up randomly, not from a search). I've only watched a few of your videos but they're wonderfully authentic. I'm willing to do the work to get the right taste! Oh, also, I've tried to explain that most people use rapeseed oil to cook with for Sichuan dishes; I didn't realize it isn't available elsewhere... T_T

The Infinite kaleidoscope of Nuance and context you show in your Posts is Epic All I can say is Thanks

Wow I love the detail in this video! You guys have always been awesome :)

This recipe came out 💯 when I cooked it the other day guys, thanks so much for your time. Dual Chinese/English recipe book please!

Hello, been a while . i was getting carried away with that pangzai dude beer drinking antics. One of the best chinesse home cooking content on KZfaq. Cheers.

This is one of the best chinese cooking channels i've seen so far i love the content ! :) Thank you so much for all the recipes and information and all that without with stupid and annoying influencer bullshit and talking trash. Love that ! :)

YES, this video was made for ME! Thank you 🙏 Soaked up the history, geography and culture stuff. Nodded wisely through the chemistry. And I am right into cooking fresh pasta and absolutely LOVE Sichuan chilli and fermented flavours - I already found this sort of fermented mustard greens in one of my local Chinese grocery stores. So, I am “heaven-facing” right now and will be cooking this as soon as I can!

Really enjoyed this video. Loved the information about the history and etymology of Chinese ‘dry’ noodles. I’ll try and make these

Hey Chris!!!!!! Love this channel and your recipes!!!! I'm getting a chance to try quite a few out!!!!! Keep up the GREAT work and videos!!!!

Just found this channel and am so in love with this content! Like so educational and entertaining!

As an American learning Chinese cooking, these videos are really amazing! It's astounding how many different cultures and types of cuisine are within China.

Hope one day you'll release a cookbook of all you recipes :D It will be amazing Love your channel, love you guys :D

Holy shit. I dont know what I love more, this recipe, finding out about SMZB , or that you are going to post a chinese punk playlist. Pleaseeee, give me more of everything!

Your videos are amazing! Thank you. I appreciate learning from you both. I am not Chinese but love the cuisine from the different areas and am learning slowly. I live in nyc and am grateful to have access to all of the ingredients that i need. Thanks again!

Slowly falling in love with this channel

I looked up yibin yatcai in my Szechuan cookbook by Fuschia Dunlop. There is mention of it, along with what the package could look like. I bought mine at an Asian grocery in Stuttgart, Germany. The writing on the package called it “ delicious potherb mustard”. I am hoping when I get back to America I will be able to figure out what it’s called there. Your picture on the side of your package, combined with the one in Fuschia’s book helped me find it here. Thank you. After tasting it I was happily surprised. It’s savory and yummy. Not at all sulphuric in smell. Next I sampled some of my own lactic preserves that I made months ago, and found them to be similar. If anyone wants to make their own preserved mustard greens, it might make this dish accessible in places where Chinese ingredients are hard to get. Of course there is always amazon. If you are completely obsessed you could go the homemade ferment route. But, it might not be exactly right. I love that you guys do all the hard research. You are teaching me to cook Chinese cuisine.

YES. This is a favorite of mine from ny neighborhood Szechuan place, and I'd been having trouble finding more info on the noodles burning my face weekly. Thanks!!

The chemistry in this went way over my head but it looked amazing. That flavor profile must be bananas!

You guys need a cook book, seriously! It’s been difficult finding a Sichuan cook book in the States, might be a good market

Very informative with history , gives a wider picture of the roots of the dish. Very nicely done , Thank You!

My second favorite noodles (after 甜水面) When I had them in Yibin, I remember how shiny the crystals of MSG on top were. Thanks for the video full of information. Love it

so cool! that winter swimming bit warmed my heart and made me want to go there immediately.

Just discovered you guys and really loving your videos!

I love how you don't assume everyone has alkaline noodles, so you show everybody in like 20 seconds how to make them from scratch!! :D Also, re chili oil - in U.S. you can buy "asian" chili flakes or aleppo peppers to use and both work great. A cayenne pepper is usually ground super fine here, and will make a very very spicy oil.

I love the background information and history of this Thank you!

This channel is top quality, keep it up guys

This channel has awakened a curiosity for authentic Chinese cuisine that I have never experienced before. The world really is a splendid, diverse, wonderful place. Perhaps I'll visit when it stops being a kidnapping hazard.

Y'all have rocked my world with this. I went the lazy route and bought my noodles and subbed Laoganma Fried Chili in Oil, so the whole affair came together in five minutes.

This channel is state of art now!

Love the geography/history lessons, would like to see more of that!

I use this channel as the premium point of reference when researching Chinese recipes.

Very authentic introduction, this is the case.很地道的介绍，谢谢。

Really fantastic stuff as always! I've always been afraid to make my own noodles at home but this made it look pretty easy. I think I might have to try it out for a dish like this :)

Wow, you really don't take shortcuts (other than the noodle press). That's a lot of dedication to your craft.

Oh cool a new recipe! Love your videos!!

If I can’t find that beer bottle, is it okay to sub it with an empty lone star bottle instead?

This is sooo good. easy to follow instructions but I love the sprinkles of history and science in it too. Can you do a video into how you got into cooking Chinese cuisines?

This channel clearly shows the reason for the nationality of food. Acquiring ingredients, the techniques, and the history/origin of this dish play huge parts to the final result.

Love your videos ❤️ I made the alkaline noodles tonight per your instructions and they turned out awesome. Also had fun making the chilli oil, except for nearly killing everyone in the house by forgetting to turn the extraction fan on 😭 I made surplus chilli oil and put aside a batch to which I added salt, sugar, MSG and fried garlic to use as condiment

If you don’t have a good stand mixer that can go for long times kneading a stiff dough and the idea of hand kneading isn’t for you, check out The Way of Ramen channel here in KZfaq. He has a neat technique that involves just mixing the dough to crumbs, letting it sit, then kneading by stepping on the dough while double-bagged.

Love your channel!! Thank you for all the education & inspiration

Thank you so much for these videos! I’ve been binging all day. Has anyone ever mentioned that you sound almost exactly like The Lock Picking Lawyer?

I had this in a Chinese restaurant in Melbourne , Aus .To date one of my favorite dishes ever, but I forgot what it was called until I found it now Thank you!!! one day i'll make it :D

Even fresh local noodles are really hard to find in Germany nowadays which is super sad - today i was super lucky to find fresh Gnocchi at a store which aren't even local (or noodles for that matter...) so thank you for showing how to make these noodles fresh!!

Best independent cooking channel on KZfaq. Facts.

Love the history section, and the dish of course!

Just made these! So simple and so fucking good. The chili oil coated the noodles so well, and the nuttiness and crunch of the sesame and peanuts provided a nice contrast. And the ya cai was a must have, so deep and funky in flavor. Thanks for the exploration

Love your channel! You really understand the food

Been making this - I love it, and your channel. In fact, I now always have the chili oil in the house. Question, can I use this chili oil as-is for other recipes that call for chili oil? Should I strain out the chili powder if I do? I ask because in your video on chili oil you strain it, and in this we don’t. Help!

I got a salt min schnauzer too. He literally looks at me the same way when I'm eating

Love dry noodles and obsessed with Sui Mi Ya Cai so this is a no brainer for me. To be honest, though, I’m a bit of a lightweight with spice. Is there a milder dried chili you can recommend that would give me the body/texture of a chili oil? I find it missing in a few dishes. Lastly, do you add MSG that way to be pretty? I would think it would spread more evenly if it was added to the chili oil to dissolve. Does it make a difference? As always, thanks for all the great dishes!

a flute in a punk rock band is super punk

Whoah, I just realized you're that guy from r/cooking .Neat, didn't realize you had a cooking channel until clicking on this because it was in my recommended. Subbed

My girlfriend and I have eaten this so many times in the past couple of weeks! Now were running out of yacai! Thanks for the recipe!

This channel is awesome.

loved the history section at the start!

Awesome history lesson Chris. Thanks

I loved this!!! I love to cook, and am already an avid fan of Bon Appetit's cooking channel, Binging With Babish, YouSuckAtCooking, etc. I've been feeling a genuine void in my life for a window into amazing Chinese food, and I'm so excited to delve into this channel! I fell in love with American Chinese cuisine as a teenager on the east coast of the US, but after moving to Portland, Oregon 9 years ago in my mid-20's, I found out about authentic Sichuan cuisine and it's so amazing! Unfortunately, Portland is more commonly comprised of Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Thai restaurants. (Not that they aren't all phenomenally delicious in their own right.) An ex-girlfriend of mine taught me to be fearless in the kitchen when working with new ingredients & dishes from different countries & cultures, so I'm genuinely stoked to have your channel as a resource! Thanks for posting, and I look forward to your forthcoming videos!

Wonderfully informative video!!

bruh, as a dry noodles lover from chongqing, i feel ashamed to admit that i don't know any of the history behind these dry noodles... thanks for the interesting intro, love this channel

Great video! One small thing about making the chili oil. You can mix a bit of cold oil with your chili powder before pouring in the hot oil. This way it lowers the overall temperature a bit and you'll get less of that burnt bitterness while still retaining all that fragrance.

I like your perseverence among the epidemics.

Looks so amazing! I wanna make them. Can I use thin vermicelli rice noodles?

I was waiting for the part where you make the yah-cai from scratch ... since you did that to everything else. :-) I'm from yii-bin too, when i watch this whole thing, the grinding the kneading ..., i was like: Oh my goodness, i will just go out to a mian-guan, and eat! LOL

Love this video and your channel ^___^

This was the first thing I ate on the first day I arrived in China, more than 20 years ago. It was so spicy I couldn’t eat for another day. Lovely video, loved the history bit too, I spent many years in Chengdu but this was new to me.

I really enjoyed this. I made the alkali noodles as instructed, but ... well they had no real 'lift' in taste, and yes this was after toasting sodium bi-carb at the right temp for an hour. Might as well have been Udon. Yes, I cut them as instructed and it was much too thick. And I should have used the thinnest setting on the pasta maker as well. Quite ruined them. However, the mustard leaf pickle was huge. And the chilli oil was absolutely wonderful. I could not get a whole walnut so used pieces instead. This earthy taste was the standout contribution of the meal. I managed to find heaven facing chilli and combined these with Kashmiri chillies for a milder taste. Really great result, spicy but with so much taste. Lastly, I happened to be out of lard so used duck fat instead, which I flatter myself added something. In closing, mistakes all over the place but a great start to following your advice. And thank you for that,

Got here for the noodles, left with history and chemistry lessons and a delicious recipe

SO HAPPY to see that I am not the only one who has trouble with my pasta machine jumping off the table :)

Your channel is awesome. I want to make noodles for use with your dandan recipe. Iz this the same type i need?

The noodles may not ignite, but this content is on fire. Great job!

just bought my yacai online...happy! Do i have to rinse the yacai and fry it or can i use it straight up from the packet

Thanks for showing the ya cai packet because as a Cantonese, I have never seen it before. I can look for it in the grocery stores in the future.

This is really nice ! Do you have a recipe for the yacai itself ?

I'm going to start saying it's "aggressively unavailable in the west " for EVERYTHING!