You Men Sun (Braised Spring Bamboo Shoots)
It's not a ramen dish! Sweet, glowing bamboo shoots feast
Description
Japanese 'Menma' refers to fermented bamboo shoots used as a ramen topping. In authentic China (especially Jiangnan), bamboo shoots are the star of the table. Fresh spring shoots are slow-braised in oil, rock sugar, and Chinese soy sauce until they gleam like dark rubies.
Restaurants serving You Men Sun (Braised Spring Bamboo Shoots)
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The Recipe section below is a general reference, not a recipe from the listed shops.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Fresh bamboo shoots
- Soy sauce
- Dark soy sauce(Lao Chou)
- Rock sugar
- Oil
Instructions
- [Authentic Recipe & Differences]
- (Bamboo Prep) Peel fresh spring bamboo shoots. Gently smash them with the flat of a cleaver to create cracks before chopping (smashing allows explosive flavor penetration).
- Heat generous oil, fry the bamboo until the edges turn golden and slightly wrinkled.
- Drain excess oil. Add rock sugar, melting it to coat the bamboo in caramel.
- Add soy sauce, 'Lao Chou' (dark soy for color), and wine. Unlike salty Japanese Menma, this dish features a distinct, rich sweetness.
- Add a splash of water, cover, and 'Men' (braise/steam) on low heat.
- Blast the heat at the end to evaporate all moisture, leaving the oil and soy glaze clinging to the bamboo like a brilliant mirror-like syrup.
Learn more Spice, substitutes, tips
Key spices
Deep richness and sweetness of rock sugar and Lao Chou
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
Canned bamboo shoots (inferior to fresh spring bamboo)
Pairing
Shaoxing Wine / White Rice
Trivia
[Trivia] 'Men' is a cooking technique of covered braising with minimal liquid. It is the supreme vegetable dish to 'taste the spring season' on Chinese dining tables, completely elevating bamboo far beyond a mere ramen garnish.
Eating tips & etiquette
[Unique Eating] Because it tastes incredible even when cold as the flavors meld, it is highly prized as a cold appetizer. The exterior is sticky with the sweet-savory glaze, while biting into it releases a crisp snap and fresh spring aroma.
Allergen
Soybeans, Wheat (Soy sauce)