Jiangsu cuisine, known for its emphasis on fresh ingredients and refined techniques, brings us one of its delicious delicacies: cherry meat. This dish, renowned for its delicate sweetness and mouthwatering flavor, showcases the culinary prowess of this region in China. With its delectable combination of tender meat and glazed cherry sauce, preparing this dish at home is both rewarding and a fantastic way to infuse your kitchen with the rich flavors of Jiangsu. Here’s a simple, straightforward method to create this delightful dish:
Ingredients
To make Cherry Meat, you will need:
500g of pork belly (or pork shoulder)
150g of fresh or canned cherries (pitted)
3 tablespoons of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of sugar (brown or white)
1 tablespoon of rice wine (Shaoxing wine is recommended)
1 teaspoon of cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
23 slices of ginger
1 stalk of green onion (chopped)
Salt, to taste
Water (enough to cover the meat)
Cooking Method
Step 1: Preparing the Meat
1. Cut the Pork: Begin by cutting the pork belly into bitesized cubes, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
2. Blanch the Pork: In a pot of boiling water, briefly blanch the pork for about 2–3 minutes to remove impurities and excess fat. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Step 2: Marinating
1. Marinate the Pork: In a bowl, combine the blanched pork with soy sauce, rice wine, and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to deepen the flavors.
Step 3: Cooking
1. Sauté Aromatics: In a heavybottomed pot or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ginger slices and sauté until fragrant.
2. Brown the Pork: Add the marinated pork to the pot and brown it on all sides.
3. Add Water: Once the pork is browned, add enough water to cover the pork. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Introducing Cherry Flavor
1. Add the Cherries: After the pork has simmered for around 40 minutes, add the pitted cherries to the pot along with sugar. Stir gently to combine.
2. Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry, and stir it into the pot. Allow the dish to simmer for an additional 1015 minutes until the sauce thickens.
3. Finishing Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Finally, scatter the chopped green onion atop the dish for brightness and an added layer of flavor.
Step 5: Serving
Serve the cherry meat hot with a side of steamed rice or stirfried vegetables. The succulent meat and luscious cherry sauce create a symphony of textures and tastes that will transport your taste buds to Jiangsu.
Conclusion
Cherry meat captures the essence of Jiangsu cuisine, blending sweet and savory in a warm and inviting dish. Not only is it easy to prepare at home, but it also serves as a beautiful centerpiece for family gatherings or celebrations. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and indulge in the delightful experience of creating this Jiangsu classic right in your own kitchen!