IntroductionFish-flavored shredded pork, also known as "Yu Xiang Rou Si" in Chinese, is a classic and popular Sichuan dish. Despite its name, the dish does not actually contain fish. It gets its name from the combination of ingredients used in the seasoning, which is traditionally used in fish dishes. The dish is known for its complex flavors, combining the sweetness of pork with the spiciness of chili peppers and the tanginess of vinegar. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of making fish-flavored shredded pork at home.

Introduction

Fish-flavored shredded pork, also known as "Yu Xiang Rou Si" in Chinese, is a classic and popular Sichuan dish. Despite its name, the dish does not actually contain fish. It gets its name from the combination of ingredients used in the seasoning, which is traditionally used in fish dishes. The dish is known for its complex flavors, combining the sweetness of pork with the spiciness of chili peppers and the tanginess of vinegar. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of making fish-flavored shredded pork at home.

Ingredients

To make fish-flavored shredded pork, you will need the following ingredients:

- 250 grams of lean pork

- 1 tablespoon of cooking oil

- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine

- 1 tablespoon of vinegar

- 1 tablespoon of sugar

- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 2 slices of ginger, minced

- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced

- 1/2 bell pepper, thinly sliced

- 1/2 carrot, thinly sliced

- 1/2 cup of wood ear mushrooms, soaked and thinly sliced

- 2 green onions, chopped

- 2 dried chili peppers, deseeded and chopped

- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Before cooking, it is important to prepare all the ingredients. Start by slicing the pork into thin strips. Marinate the pork with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch for about 15 minutes. Soak the wood ear mushrooms in warm water until they become soft, then thinly slice them. Mince the garlic and ginger, and thinly slice the onion, bell pepper, and carrot. Chop the green onions and deseed and chop the dried chili peppers.

Cooking Process

1. Heat the cooking oil in a wok or frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry until fragrant.

2. Add the marinated pork strips to the wok and stir-fry until they are cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the pork from the wok and set it aside.

3. In the same wok, add the sliced onion, bell pepper, carrot, and wood ear mushrooms. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.

4. Add the dried chili peppers to the wok and stir-fry for another minute.

5. Return the cooked pork to the wok and mix it with the vegetables.

6. In a small bowl, mix together the vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour this mixture over the pork and vegetables in the wok.

7. Stir-fry everything together for a few more minutes until the flavors are well combined and the dish is heated through.

8. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

9. Finally, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top of the dish and give it a final stir.

Serving

Fish-flavored shredded pork is commonly served with steamed rice. The combination of the tender pork, crunchy vegetables, and flavorful sauce makes it a delicious and satisfying main dish. You can also serve it as part of a larger Chinese meal, with other dishes such as stir-fried vegetables and dumplings.

Variations

While the traditional fish-flavored shredded pork recipe uses pork as the main protein, you can also try using other meats such as chicken or beef. Additionally, you can customize the dish by adding different vegetables or adjusting the level of spiciness to suit your taste.

Conclusion

Making fish-flavored shredded pork at home is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Sichuan cuisine. With the right ingredients and following the step-by-step process, you can create a delicious and authentic dish that will impress your family and friends. So why not give it a try and explore the rich and complex flavors of fish-flavored shredded pork?