Yi mein


Yi mein is a variety of flat Cantonese egg noodles made from wheat flour. They are known for their golden yellow color and chewy characteristics. The slightly chewy and slightly spongy texture of the noodles is due to the soda water used in making the dough, which is then fried and dried into flat patty-like dried bricks.

Preparation

The Yi mein noodles available at grocery stores were pre-cooked by machines the same way as the modern instant noodles are made.
The noodles may be cooked a number of ways. They are boiled first, then can be stir fried, or used in soups or salads. Good noodles maintain their elasticity, allowing the noodles to stretch and remain chewy.

Dishes

Yi mein noodles can be consumed directly or used in various dishes:
When yi mein is consumed on birthdays, it is generally referred to as longevity noodles or sau mein. The Chinese character for "long" is also added as a prefix to represent "long life". Usually it is consumed with longevity buns on such occasions.

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