Chinese cuisine is known for its diverse flavors and unique ingredients. One such ingredient is pork bung, also known as pork rectum or anus. While it may not sound appealing, the Chinese have been using pork bung in their dishes for centuries. This often overlooked and underrated part of the pig is actually quite delicious when prepared correctly. In this article, we will delve into the world of Chinese pork bung and share a delicious recipe for you to try at home.
This classic Chinese dish is a crowd-pleaser and a staple in many Chinese restaurants. The combination of tangy sweet and sour sauce with crispy pork pieces makes for a delicious meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. The secret to getting the perfect texture for the pork is to marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and egg white before frying it. This creates a crispy coating that is irresistible.
Egg rolls are a popular appetizer in Chinese cuisine and for good reason. These crispy and flavorful rolls are filled with a combination of pork, shrimp, and vegetables and then deep-fried to perfection. The key to making them authentic is to use spring roll wrappers, which are thinner and crispier than traditional egg roll wrappers. Serve them with a side of sweet and sour sauce for dipping.
No Chinese meal is complete without a side of fried rice. This dish is a great way to use up leftover rice and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and protein. Eggs, scallions, and soy sauce are the key ingredients that give fried rice its signature flavor. Add in some chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.
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Beef Batchoy with Liver and Bung
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Beef Tendon, Beef Shank, Pork, Pork Liver
This hearty and filling soup is a popular dish in the Philippines, with Chinese influences. It is made with beef, liver, and bung (pig's intestines) and flavored with a combination of soy sauce, fish sauce, and calamansi juice. The result is a flavorful and comforting soup that is perfect for a cold day.
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Chow Mein (Chinese Noodles)
Main Ingredients: Chow Mein, Pork, Shrimp, Garlic Cloves, Shredded
Chow mein literally translates to "fried noodles" in Chinese and is a staple in many Chinese households. The dish consists of egg noodles stir-fried with vegetables and protein in a savory sauce. The key to getting the perfect texture for the noodles is to briefly boil them before stir-frying them.
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Classic Pork Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout favorite
Main Ingredients: Hot Water, Honey, Sesame Oil, Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce
If you love ordering Chinese takeout, then you have probably had this dish before. Classic pork fried rice is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for when you are craving Chinese food. The key to getting the perfect flavor is to use day-old rice, which is drier and absorbs the flavors of the sauce better.
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Chinese Shredded Pork with Peppers
Main Ingredients: Pork, Vegetable Oil, Ginger, Peppers, Salt, Soy Sauce
This dish is a colorful and flavorful combination of pork, bell peppers, and onions in a savory sauce. The pork is first marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch before being stir-fried with the vegetables. It is a great way to add more vegetables to your meal and is also a budget-friendly option.
Also known as char siu, Chinese BBQ pork is a popular dish in Cantonese cuisine. The pork is marinated in a combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder before being grilled or roasted. The result is a tender and flavorful meat that is perfect on its own or as a topping for noodles or rice.
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Lo Ba Bung
Main Ingredients: Minced Pork, Soy Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce, Chinese Cooking
This dish is a popular street food in China and consists of pig's ears, tongue, and tripe cooked in a spicy and savory sauce. The meat is first blanched and then stir-fried with garlic, chili peppers, and soy sauce. It may not be for everyone, but if you are feeling adventurous, give this dish a try.
Daikon is a type of radish that is commonly used in Chinese cuisine. This soup is made by slowly simmering daikon, pork, and dried shrimp in a flavorful broth. The result is a comforting and nourishing soup that is perfect for cold and flu season. It is also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
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Chinese Cabbage Potstickers
Main Ingredients: Dumpling Wrappers, Pork, Chinese Cabbage, Salt, Oil
Potstickers, also known as gyoza, are a popular appetizer in Chinese cuisine. These dumplings are filled with a mixture of pork, cabbage, and garlic and then pan-fried until crispy on the bottom. The key to getting the perfect texture is to first steam the dumplings and then pan-fry them. Serve them with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil.
These flavorful pork balls are a popular dish in Sichuan cuisine and are often served as an appetizer or side dish. The pork is mixed with a combination of spices and seasonings, including Sichuan peppercorns, ginger, and garlic. They are then steamed or pan-fried and served with a spicy dipping sauce.
This soup is a traditional dish served during Chinese New Year and symbolizes prosperity and good fortune. The soup is made with rice cakes, pork, and vegetables in a flavorful broth. It is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for celebrating the new year with family and friends.
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Sticky Chinese Pork Belly
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Chicken, Ginger, Garlic, Rice Wine, Caster
This dish is a popular street food in China and is made by slow-cooking pork belly in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder. The result is tender and flavorful meat with a sticky and caramelized glaze. Serve it with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
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Chinese Red Cooked Bear
Main Ingredients: Pork, Peanut Oil, Sugar, Chinese Cooking Wine, Ginger
This dish may not be for everyone, but it is a traditional Chinese dish that is typically served during special occasions. The bear meat is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and spices before being slow-cooked until tender. It is a delicacy in Chinese cuisine and is said to have many health benefits.
This dish is a popular vegetarian option in Chinese cuisine and is made by stir-frying eggplant with chili peppers and garlic in a spicy and savory sauce. The key to getting the perfect texture for the eggplant is to first blanch it in hot water before stir-frying it. It is a flavorful and satisfying option for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet.
This soup is a staple in many Chinese restaurants and is made with a combination of tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and pork in a tangy and spicy broth. The key to getting the perfect balance of flavors is to use a combination of black vinegar, white pepper, and soy sauce in the broth. It is a great option for those looking for a lighter and healthier meal.
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Chinese Lightly Fried Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Dumpling Wrappers, Pork, Dumplings, Oil, Water
These dumplings, also known as shengjian bao, are a popular breakfast food in Shanghai. They are made by first steaming the dumplings and then lightly frying them on one side to create a crispy bottom. The filling is a combination of pork, green onions, and ginger, and the result is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any time of day.
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Easy Chinese Pasta Soup
Main Ingredients: Pork, Pasta, Cornflour, Light Soy Sauce, Sugar, Chinese
This soup is a fusion of Chinese and Italian cuisine and is a great way to use up leftover pasta. The base of the soup is a flavorful broth made with chicken broth, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder. Add in some cooked pasta, vegetables, and protein for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Stir fry is a quick and easy way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. The key to a successful stir fry is to cut all your ingredients into similar-sized pieces and to stir-fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. You can use any combination of vegetables and protein, and add a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
The History of Pork Bung in Chinese Cuisine
Pork bung has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries, dating back to the Han dynasty. It was considered a delicacy and was often reserved for special occasions. In traditional Chinese medicine, pork bung is believed to have warming properties and is used to treat ailments such as diarrhea and constipation. Today, pork bung can be found in various dishes throughout China, from street food to high-end restaurants.
Preparing Pork Bung for Cooking
Before cooking with pork bung, it is important to properly clean and prepare it. This includes removing any excess fat and washing it thoroughly. Some recipes may also call for blanching the pork bung in boiling water before using it in a dish. This helps to remove any strong odors and ensures a clean and safe ingredient for cooking.
A Delicious Chinese Pork Bung Recipe
Now that you know a bit about the history and preparation of pork bung, it's time to try it for yourself with this delicious recipe. This dish combines the unique flavors of pork bung with spicy Sichuan peppers for a mouth-watering experience.
Ingredients:
1 pound pork bung, cleaned and sliced into thin strips
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
1 tablespoon chili flakes
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
In a wok or large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the Sichuan peppercorns and chili flakes, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for another minute.
Add the pork bung strips and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned.
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and brown sugar.
Pour the sauce over the pork bung and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Serve this tasty dish with rice or noodles for a complete meal. The combination of spicy and savory flavors will have your taste buds begging for more.
In conclusion, pork bung may not be the most conventional ingredient, but it is a delicious and important part of Chinese cuisine. With its long history and unique taste, it is definitely worth giving it a try. So why not add some pork bung to your next Chinese dish and experience a whole new level of flavor.