If you’re looking to add a fiery twist to your culinary repertoire, Jiangxi cuisine should be at the top of your list. Known for its bold flavors and spicy notes, Jiangxi encompasses a variety of dishes that tantalize the taste buds. Among these, stirfried pork with dried chili stands out as a beloved favorite. This dish combines tender pork with aromatic spices and the unmistakable kick of dried chilies, resulting in a vibrant and appetizing meal that captures the essence of Jiangxi.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To embark on your journey to creating this delicious stirfry, gather the following ingredients:
Pork: 300g of pork tenderloin or pork belly, thinly sliced.
Dried chilies: About 68, adjust to your heat preference.
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced.
Ginger: 1inch piece, sliced.
Bell peppers: 1 red and 1 green, sliced.
Onion: 1 medium, sliced.
Soy sauce: 2 tbsp.
Oyster sauce: 1 tbsp.
Sugar: 1 tsp.
Cooking oil: 2 tbsp.
Salt and pepper: To taste.
Scallions: For garnish.
The Cooking Process
1. Prep the Ingredients:
Start by preparing your ingredients. Thinly slice the pork against the grain to ensure tenderness. Mince the garlic and slice the ginger, bell peppers, and onion. This mise en place will ensure a smooth cooking experience.
2. Soak the Dried Chilies:
If you prefer a milder flavor, soak the dried chilies in warm water for about 15 minutes to soften them, then remove the seeds. This step can also temper their spiciness, allowing for more control over the heat level.
3. Sauté the Flavors:
Heat a wok or a large frying pan over mediumhigh heat. Add the cooking oil and swirl to coat the surface. Once the oil is hot, toss in the minced garlic, sliced ginger, and dried chilies. Stirfry for about 30 seconds until fragrant; this releases the oil’s spicy aromas.
4. Cook the Pork:
Add the sliced pork to the wok. Stirfry for 35 minutes, making sure to break apart any clumps. The pork should be evenly cooked and seared, developing a deliciously savory crust. Season with salt and pepper during this step.
5. Add Vegetables:
Introduce the bell peppers and onion into the mix. Stirfry for another 23 minutes until the vegetables are just tender yet still crisp. This retains their vibrant colors and nutritional value.
6. Saucing It Up:
Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring to coat all the ingredients. Sprinkle sugar over the top to balance the flavors with a hint of sweetness. Continue to stirfry for an additional minute, allowing the sauces to caramelize slightly.
7. Final Touches:
Remove the stirfry from heat. Garnish with sliced scallions for a fresh crunch and an added layer of flavor that complements the heat from the chilies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Jiangxistyle stirfried pork with dried chili piping hot, ideally over a bed of fluffy steamed rice to balance the spice. The colorful presentation of the dish, with its glossy sauce and vibrant vegetables, will lure anyone to the table. This homestyle dish not only fills the belly but warms the heart, delivering the perfect mix of spice and satisfaction.
Embarking on this culinary adventure is a great way to explore the flavors of Jiangxi cuisine while showcasing your cooking skills. The vibrant stirfry, with its dynamic colors and textures, invites you to savor the bold flavors and share the experience with family and friends.