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Suan La Fen

Suan La Fen: Spicy Comfort Noodles to Warm Your Soul

Suan La Fen is a spicy and tangy noodle soup that combines bold flavors, making it a must-try for comfort food lovers.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Soups
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

For the Toppings
  • 2 tablespoons Peanut Oil Vegetable oil works as a substitute.
  • 1 pound Ground Pork Can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
  • 2 tablespoons Shaoxing Wine Can be swapped with dry sherry.
  • ½ cup Sui Mi Ya Cai Optional but delicious.
  • 3 pieces Green Onions Use both green and white parts.
For the Broth
  • 3 cloves Garlic Always opt for fresh garlic.
  • 2 tablespoons Homemade Chili Oil High-quality store-bought chili oil is a great substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Chinkiang Vinegar No direct substitute; balsamic vinegar can work in a pinch.
  • 1 tablespoon Light Soy Sauce Any alternative soy sauce will suffice.
  • 1 tablespoon Dark Soy Sauce Omit or use more regular soy sauce if unavailable.
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Any sweetener can be used as a replacement.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Sichuan Peppercorns Optional for authentic numbing spice.
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth Opt for vegetable broth for a vegan version.
For the Noodles and Garnish
  • 8 ounces Fresh Potato Noodles Dried potato or sweet potato noodles work too.
  • ¼ cup Roasted Peanuts Substitute with toasted sesame or omit for allergy concerns.
  • Chopped Cilantro or Green Onions Provides freshness as an optional garnish.
  • Pickled Mustard Tube Optional topping for added flavor.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • pot
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Suan La Fen
  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 pound of ground pork, breaking it apart while cooking for about 5–7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Stir in 2 tablespoons of Shaoxing wine, 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce, and ½ cup of Sui Mi Ya Cai. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then transfer the mixture to a bowl and set aside.
  2. In separate bowls, mix 3 sliced green onions, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of homemade chili oil, 2 tablespoons of Chinkiang vinegar, 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Heat 4 cups of chicken broth in a pot over medium-high heat until it reaches a gentle boil, then reduce to low to keep warm.
  3. While the broth is warming, cook 8 ounces of fresh potato noodles according to package instructions, usually about 4–5 minutes, until tender yet slightly chewy. Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  4. To assemble your Suan La Fen, divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls, then pour the hot broth over them. If using pork, add a generous spoonful of the meat topping on each bowl. Garnish with roasted peanuts, chopped cilantro, and extra pickled mustard.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Store leftover Suan La Fen in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep broth and noodles separate to preserve texture and flavor. Broth can be frozen for up to 2 months.

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