Longevity Noodles (Yi Mein/伊面)

Jump to:

• What are longevity noodles
• Top Tips
• Which type of noodles
• Other ingredients
• Cooking steps
• How to serve
• Make ahead
• Other classic noodles
• 📋 Recipe card

What are longevity noodles

Symbolic dishes are common in Chinese cuisine. For instance, a whole fish symbolizes abundance; Nian Gao represents prosperity; Tang Yuan signifies reunion. Longevity noodles are another classic example, often appearing at celebratory meals.

Longevity noodles, also known as long-life noodles or Yi Mein, refers to 长寿面 or 伊面 in Chinese. Essential for birthdays to wish for longevity, they are also a staple for Chinese New Year feasts in some communities, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. Additionally, they’re sometimes served in feasts for other special occasions, such as weddings, and newborn celebrations.

Today’s recipe echoes the Cantonese style of longevity noodles, featuring chewy, spongy egg noodles braised in a flavorful sauce. In contrast, the northern version highlights extra-long, hand-pulled noodles to emphasize the idea that “long noodles represent a long life”. It can be as extreme as serving one single noodle per bowlful!

 

Which type of noodles

Yi Mein (伊面), aka E-fu Noodles, is the traditional choice for this version of longevity noodles. They are made with wheat flour and egg and come in dried form.

Unlike regular egg noodles found in Soy Sauce Pan Fried Noodles and Beef Chow Mein, Yi Mein is first dried and then deep-fried. This particular process gives them a unique texture that is smooth, slippery, chewy, and spongy, making them ideal for absorbing sauces. Also, they’re quite elastic, so they can handle a strong chopstick pull without the strands breaking easily.

Substitutes:

• If you have trouble sourcing Yi Mein, you may substitute them with regular egg noodles, the type I used in the recipe for Chow Mein or Lo Mein.
• Another option is instant noodles. Although much thinner compared to Yi Mein, they are a passable alternative, since they share a similar texture.

Other ingredients

Vegetables

Here are the vegetable and aromatics that I use to make a simple, classic version of longevity noodles.

• Shiitake mushrooms, or other types
• Carrot
• Chinese chives
• Onion
• Garlic 

Substitutes: Please feel free to use other vegetables, such as bok choy, Napa cabbage, bell pepper, celery, etc.

Seasonings

Here is a list of common Chinese condiments for flavoring the dish:

• Light soy sauce
• Dark soy sauce
• Oyster sauce, or vegetarian oyster sauce
• Ground white pepper
• Sugar & salt
• Chicken stock

🌟 Vegan substitutes: To make this dish vegan/vegetarian-friendly, replace oyster sauce with vegetarian oyster sauce (also known as vegetarian/mushroom stir-fry sauce), and substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock, or the soaking water in which dried shiitake mushrooms are rehydrated.

Optional proteins

You can also add proteins to the dish. Lobster is a luxury choice that is quite popular in restaurant versions of longevity noodles. Other common proteins, such as chicken, beef, shrimp, egg, and tofu, are good choices too.

Cooking steps

Step 1: Parboil the noodles

Bring plenty of water to a full boil. Add Yi Mein noodles. Gently press them down under the water so they will soon become less rigid. Separate the strands with chopsticks and leave to cook until they are just a little undercooked (think of the al dente texture that cooking pasta requires).

Drain well and set aside. If you don’t plan to carry on the next step straightaway, I suggest you rinse the noodles under running water to prevent sticking.

🌟 TIP: Follow the instructions on the package of the noodles of your choice, but reduce the required time by 1 minute. Taste to confirm and mind not to overcook them. Otherwise, they’ll develop a mushy texture during the next braising process.

Step 2: Fry the vegetables

You may use either a wok or a skillet/frying pan for this step. It needs to be large enough that you can toss the noodles and other ingredients comfortably.

Firstly, sizzle minced garlic and sliced onion in a little oil to release their aroma. Then stir in sliced mushrooms and julienned carrots.

Fry them for a minute before adding all the seasonings (apart from sesame oil) and chicken/vegetable stock.

🌟 TIP: If using non-stick cookware, add the oil then heat it. If using a carbon steel wok or other cookware without non-stick coating, heat it empty first then add the oil. This method prevents sticking.

Step 3: Braise the noodles

Bring the liquid to a boil, then add the drained noodles. Toss well so all the strands are in contact with the sauce. Leave to braise over low heat uncovered.

Once most of the sauce has been absorbed, add Chinese chives and sesame oil. Toss to evenly heat the chives.

As soon as they start to wilt. Turn off the heat and transfer the dish to a serving plate.

How to serve

Serve your longevity noodles right away, as they taste wonderful while warm. Perhaps make a wish while pulling the noodles up high with your chopsticks. Don’t fret about breaking the noodle strands. After all, enjoying the great taste is the key, right?

If you fancy a spicy taste as I do, add a dash of Chinese Chili Oil to the dish, or other hot sauces of your choice.

Make ahead

Since longevity noodles are often made for special occasions, you’re likely preparing other dishes at the same time. Here are two ways to prepare the dish in advance:

• Parboil the noodles, then rinse them with cold water. Complete the braising step close to the serving time.
• Finish the dish as instructed. Before serving, add 2 tablespoons of water and reheat it over medium heat, making sure to toss constantly for even heating. 

Other classic noodles

Looking for more classic Chinese noodle dishes? Check out these popular ones:

📋 Recipe card

Love this recipe? Please leave a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating and a comment. Thank you!