Sugar-Free Luosifen (River Snail Noodle Soup)

Dive into the bold, authentic flavors of Sugar-Free Luosifen (River Snail Noodle Soup), a healthier twist on Guangxi’s beloved noodle dish. This aromatic soup, made without added sugar, boasts a rich broth simmered with river snails, fragrant spices like star anise and cinnamon, and umami-packed ingredients like pickled long beans and fermented bamboo shoots. The dish is built on chewy luosifen rice noodles, topped with toasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, and spring onions for a perfect balance of textures and tastes. With its complex, savory profile and satisfying heat, this sugar-free version allows you to indulge guilt-free in the signature tangy, spicy, and earthy essence of this iconic street food. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s a must-try recipe for noodle enthusiasts seeking an adventurous, healthier alternative.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:120 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Luosifen rice noodles
• 500 grams River snails, cleaned
• 150 grams Fermented bamboo shoots
• 100 grams Peanuts, unsalted
• 100 grams Pickled long beans
• 4 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece Ginger, sliced
• 4 stalks Spring onions, chopped
• 30 grams Cilantro, chopped
• 2 pods Star anise
• 3 Bay leaves
• 4 Dried chilies
• 1 Cinnamon stick
• 2 liters Veggie broth
• 2 tablespoons Soybean oil
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 tablespoon Fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon White pepper
• 1 tablespoon Dark soy sauce

Directions

Step 1

Clean the river snails thoroughly by submerging them in clean water for several hours, changing the water every hour. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat the soybean oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger, star anise, bay leaves, dried chilies, and cinnamon stick. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the cleaned river snails to the pot and stir well to combine with the spices.

Step 4

Pour in the veggie broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 60 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5

While the broth simmers, prepare the toppings. Toast the unsalted peanuts in a pan until golden, then set aside.

Step 6

Blanch or lightly stir-fry the pickled long beans and fermented bamboo shoots. Set aside separately.

Step 7

Once the broth is ready, remove the river snails and strain the broth to ensure it is clear of any bits and spices.

Step 8

Return the strained broth back to the pot. Add salt, fish sauce, white pepper, and dark soy sauce. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.

Step 9

Cook the luosifen rice noodles according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes until soft. Drain the noodles and distribute them evenly in serving bowls.

Step 10

Ladle the flavorful snail broth over the noodles.

Step 11

Top each bowl with toasted peanuts, fermented bamboo shoots, pickled long beans, chopped spring onions, and cilantro.

Step 12

Serve hot and enjoy the complex, aromatic flavors of the sugar-free Luosifen!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3516.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2269.5

Total Fat 104.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.1g
Cholesterol 250mg	0%
Sodium 21476.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 214.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 42.1g	0%
Total Sugars 25.4g
Protein 134.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1186.3mg	0%
Iron 38.3mg	0%
Potassium 5591.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.1%

Protein: 23.1%

Carbs: 36.8%