"Sichuan Pork" can refer to various dishes in Sichuan cuisine, as the region is known for its bold and spicy flavors. One popular dish is "Sichuan Shredded Pork with Garlic Sauce" (Yu Xiang Rou Si), characterized by a combination of garlic, ginger, and a flavorful and spicy sauce. Here's a basic recipe for making Sichuan Shredded Pork:
Ingredients:
For Pork:
- 1/2 lb pork tenderloin, thinly sliced into strips
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (chili bean paste)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
For Stir-Frying:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup wood ear mushrooms, soaked and sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, julienned (optional)
- 1/2 cup carrot, julienned (optional)
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, julienned (optional)
- 1/2 cup scallions, sliced diagonally
Instructions:
Prepare Pork:
- In a bowl, mix pork slices with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Set aside to marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
Make Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, mix doubanjiang, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and chicken broth. Set aside.
Stir-Fry Pork:
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add marinated pork slices and stir-fry until they are cooked through and slightly browned. Remove from the wok and set aside.
Stir-Fry Vegetables:
- In the same wok, add more oil if needed. Stir-fry wood ear mushrooms, bamboo shoots, carrot, and bell peppers until they are slightly tender.
Combine Pork, Vegetables, and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pork back to the wok.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the pork and vegetables.
- Stir-fry until everything is well-coated with the sauce.
Thicken with Cornstarch Slurry:
- Pour the cornstarch slurry over the pork and vegetables, stirring continuously.
- Continue to stir until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve:
- Add sliced scallions and stir briefly.
- Serve Sichuan Shredded Pork hot over rice.
Tips:
Feel free to customize the dish by adding or omitting vegetables based on your preferences. Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of doubanjiang. Sichuan Shredded Pork is a flavorful and satisfying dish that showcases the distinctive flavors of Sichuan cuisine.