China's Twice-Cooked Pork Slices, known as *Huí Guō Ròu* in Chinese, is a quintessential Sichuan dish celebrated for its savory and spicy flavor profile. This classic recipe features tender slices of pork belly stir-fried with a medley of vibrant vegetables and a bold, flavorful sauce. The dish's rich taste comes from a harmonious blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, chili bean sauce, and Sichuan peppercorns, making it a favorite among lovers of Sichuan cuisine.
Originating from the Sichuan province in southwestern China, Twice-Cooked Pork Slices embodies the region’s renowned love for bold and spicy flavors. The term "twice-cooked" refers to the cooking method: the pork belly is first boiled to remove impurities and then stir-fried with vegetables and sauce. This technique enhances the pork’s tenderness and allows it to absorb the intense flavors of the sauce. The dish is deeply rooted in Sichuan culinary traditions, where complex spice combinations and rich sauces are staples.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork belly, sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup green bell peppers, sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cooking wine
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp chili bean sauce
- 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Blanch the pork slices in a large pot of boiling water for 3-5 minutes until opaque. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork slices and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove the pork and set aside.
3. In the same wok, add green onions, red bell peppers, and green bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until softened.
4. Return the pork slices to the wok. Add soy sauce, cooking wine, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, chili bean sauce, Sichuan peppercorns, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir-fry for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the pork is fully cooked.
6. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Notes:
- Substitute pork belly with pork loin or chicken breast if preferred.
- Adjust chili bean sauce for desired spiciness.
- Add additional vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or bamboo shoots.
- The dish can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
Nutrition Value:
1. 1 lb pork belly, sliced thinly
- Calories: Approximately 1,300 calories
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 35 grams
- Fat: 120 grams
- Sodium: 200 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 100 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains some B vitamins like B12 and niacin
- Minerals: Rich in iron and zinc
- Nutritional Benefit: Pork belly provides a high amount of protein and fat, making it a dense energy source. The fats also help in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins and minerals.
2. 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- Calories: Approximately 16 calories
- Carbohydrates: 4 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 4 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: High in vitamin K, with some vitamin C and folate
- Minerals: Contains calcium, potassium, and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Green onions are low in calories and provide essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health and immune support.
3. 1/2 cup red bell peppers, sliced
- Calories: Approximately 12 calories
- Carbohydrates: 3 grams
- Protein: 0.5 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and some B vitamins
- Minerals: Contains potassium and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Red bell peppers are an excellent source of antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
4. 1/2 cup green bell peppers, sliced
- Calories: Approximately 12 calories
- Carbohydrates: 3 grams
- Protein: 0.5 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and some B vitamins
- Minerals: Contains potassium and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Green bell peppers offer antioxidant properties, with high levels of vitamin C and A, promoting immune health and skin vitality.
5. 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Calories: Approximately 240 calories
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 28 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin E
- Minerals: Minimal amounts of minerals
- Nutritional Benefit: Vegetable oil provides essential fatty acids and vitamin E, supporting heart health and acting as an antioxidant.
6. 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Calories: Approximately 20 calories
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 1,800 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Minimal vitamins
- Minerals: Contains some potassium and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Soy sauce adds flavor with minimal calories but is high in sodium, which should be consumed in moderation.
7. 1 tbsp cooking wine
- Calories: Approximately 15 calories
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 5 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Minimal vitamins
- Minerals: Minimal minerals
- Nutritional Benefit: Cooking wine adds flavor to dishes with negligible calories, but its alcohol content cooks off during preparation.
8. 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- Calories: Approximately 35 calories
- Carbohydrates: 8 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 510 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Minimal vitamins
- Minerals: Contains some potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Hoisin sauce provides a rich, sweet flavor with some protein and carbohydrates but is high in sodium.
9. 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Calories: Approximately 52 calories
- Carbohydrates: 13 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Minimal vitamins
- Minerals: Contains some calcium and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Brown sugar adds sweetness and energy but should be used sparingly due to its high sugar content.
10. 1 tsp chili bean sauce
- Calories: Approximately 15 calories
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 210 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Minimal vitamins
- Minerals: Contains some potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Chili bean sauce adds a spicy kick with some protein and minimal calories, but is high in sodium.
11. 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns
- Calories: Approximately 6 calories
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains some vitamin C
- Minerals: Provides iron, calcium, and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Sichuan peppercorns contribute a unique numbing spice and contain antioxidants and minerals that support overall health.
12. Salt and pepper to taste
- Calories: Negligible
- Carbohydrates: Negligible
- Protein: Negligible
- Fat: Negligible
- Sodium: Variable (salt is high in sodium)
- Cholesterol: Negligible
- Vitamins: Minimal vitamins
- Minerals: Salt is high in sodium, pepper contains some iron and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Salt enhances flavor but should be used in moderation due to its high sodium content. Pepper adds flavor and a small amount of beneficial compounds like antioxidants.
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