As some of you may know, my parents are from Fuzhou, the capital city of the Fujian Province, which is located on the southeastern coast of China. Unbeknownst to many, Fuzhou is known for their distinctive cuisine, which includes popular dishes such as Ban Mian and Fujianese wontons. Moreover, a dish that I grew up eating, also a meal that is served to us by our parents on our birthdays EVERY SINGLE YEAR, is Fuzhou Longevity Noodles (福州寿面). The dish is often served as a symbol of long life and good health, which is why my parents ensure their children have a bowlful on their birthdays each year! Well, I have tried to replicate my parents’ recipe many many times and think I’ve finally achieved it through my pressure cooker.

When are Fuzhou Longevity Noodles Served?

Fuzhou Longevity Noodles are traditionally eaten during festive occasions, like New Year’s, but primarily during birthday celebrations as a symbolic way to wish the birthday boy/girl a long and healthy life. The noodles, due to its lengthy strands, represent longevity, and the meal itself represents prosperity and good health.

Note-worthy Ingredients

• Fuzhou Noodles: Noodles served in Fuzhounese broths are typically thin, with a smooth texture that allows them to absorb the flavors of the soup. Because they are characterized by extremely fine strands, They do not take long to cook and are often served by Fuzhounese parents to infants and young children.
• Fujian/Fukien Cooking Wine: A type of rice wine characterized by light and aromatic flavors, this wine is commonly used to enhance dishes like Fuzhou Longevity Noodles. It is lighter than other Chinese cooking wines like Shaoxing wine and possesses a subtly sweet and fragrant taste.

STEPS:

1. Rehydrate Mushrooms

2. Parboil Chicken

Parboiling is the process of partially cooking an ingredient (in this case, a whole chicken). You’ll find parboiling in many Chinese stew and soup recipes, as the method is used to cleanse meat and rid them of impurities prior to adding them into broth. To parboil, place the meat into a large pot, fill with enough cool water to cover the meat, then boil on high heat. You’ll begin to see scum afloat as the water begins to boil. When it does, discard the water and rinse the meat until clean, then set them aside.

3. Sauté

Heat the inner pot using the “sauté” function, then add neutral oil and ginger slices. Stir fry until aromatic, then add shiitake mushrooms, parboiled chicken, water, mushroom soaking liquid, dried razor clams, Fukien cooking wine and salt. Adjust measurements according to taste. Cancel the sauté function, then pressure cook for 30 minutes.

4. Prepare Noodles & Eggs

5. Assemble

After the pressure naturally releases from your pressure cooker, remove the lid then taste the broth, adding any seasoning ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Assemble a bowl with the Fuzhou noodles, chicken, mushrooms, razor clams and a hard boiled egg, then pour the hot soup directly into the bowl. Enjoy when hot, especially on your birthday!

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