Luosifen (Liuzhou River Snail Rice Noodles)

Luosifen (Liuzhou River Snail Rice Noodles)

Difficulty:★☆☆☆☆ 1109 kcal

Luosifen is a signature snack from Liuzhou, Guangxi, with a rich, savory broth, a sour-spicy kick and soft yet chewy rice noodles. It layers the umami of snail broth, the unique fermented flavor of sour bamboo shoots and the heat of chili oil. As a staple, the rice noodles provide plenty of carbohydrates, the snail meat and toppings add some protein, and the sour bamboo shoots whet the appetite and aid digestion. It is very simple: just cook the noodles and season in order, which makes it beginner-friendly. From boiling water to serving it can be on the table in about ten minutes, perfect for a quick meal.

Shanxi Guoyou Rou (Oil-Passed Pork)

Shanxi Guoyou Rou (Oil-Passed Pork)

Difficulty:★★★★☆ 679 kcal

Guoyou rou is a traditional Shanxi specialty: tender pork slices, crisp garlic scapes, savory and slightly sour with the mellow aroma of aged vinegar, a typical regional home-style flavor. Pork tenderloin provides quality protein, and with wood ears, garlic scapes and onion it is well balanced. It requires some control of heat and coating technique, so it suits cooks with some experience. It takes about 40 minutes from prep to plate.