Twice Cooked Pork
Sliced pork belly that is first boiled, then stir-fried with vegetables in a spicy and flavorful sauce.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) 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.
Sichuan House
Twice Cooked Pork, or Hui Guo Rou, traces its origins to Sichuan cuisine. Its evolution reflects the resourceful nature of Chinese cooking, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying dish. The dish likely emerged as a way to preserve and maximize the use of pork, especially after festivals or special occasions when large portions were cooked.
Twice Cooked Pork is a popular and beloved dish in China, often associated with family gatherings and celebrations.
Family Meal Staple
Twice Cooked Pork is frequently prepared in Chinese households as part of a family meal, symbolizing togetherness and shared enjoyment.
Regional Variations
While originating in Sichuan, variations of the dish can be found throughout China, reflecting regional preferences in spice levels and vegetable additions.
Celebratory Dish
It's common to serve Twice Cooked Pork during festive occasions like Chinese New Year, highlighting its significance as a celebratory dish.
Twice Cooked Pork offers a complex flavor profile that balances savory, spicy, and slightly sweet notes.
The dish features a rich umami flavor from the pork belly, enhanced by the savory notes of fermented black beans (douchi) and soy sauce. The heat comes from chili bean paste (doubanjiang), while a touch of sugar adds a subtle sweetness. Garlic and ginger contribute aromatic depth, creating a well-rounded and addictive taste.
Choosing the Right Pork Belly
Select a pork belly with a good balance of fat and lean meat. The fat is essential for rendering and providing flavor.
Proper Cooking Sequence
Boiling the pork belly first ensures it's tender and easy to slice. Subsequent stir-frying allows the flavors to meld and the pork to caramelize.
Authentic Doubanjiang
Use high-quality Sichuan chili bean paste (doubanjiang) for the most authentic flavor. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
Perfect Sauce Consistency
Stir-fry the sauce until it thickens slightly, coating the pork and vegetables evenly. Avoid overcooking, which can make the sauce too dry.
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