Fuding Pork Slices (福鼎肉片) is a traditional and well-loved local dish from Fuding, Ningde, in Fujian Province. It is highly popular among both locals and visitors. The dish’s origins date back to the late Qing Dynasty, when a Fuding chef discovered a method of slicing pork thinly and cooking it quickly, creating tender, flavorful slices of meat. This technique quickly spread throughout the region, making Fuding Pork Slices a beloved local specialty.
Main Ingredients and Preparation
Main Ingredients
- Lean Meat: Typically, pork leg meat is used, offering a tender yet chewy texture.
- Starch: Preferably sweet potato starch (yam starch), used in a 1:0.7 ratio with the meat to ensure a smooth, elastic texture.
- Seasonings: Include green onions, salt, MSG, and baking soda to enhance flavor and texture.
Preparation Process
- Meat Selection: Trim off any fat from the fresh pork, leaving only lean meat. Cut the lean meat into small strips or chunks for easy mincing.
- Mincing: Finely chop the meat or use a grinder, and add green onions and salt for flavor.
- Kneading: Place the minced meat on a board and knead it with both hands for about 10 minutes, adding baking soda and a small amount of water. Continue kneading until the meat becomes sticky and slightly adheres to your hands.
- Mixing: Add starch to the kneaded meat and continue mixing until fully combined, so that only the meat’s color is visible without any white starch spots.
- Cooking the Pork Slices: Bring water to a boil, pinch small pieces of the meat mixture between your thumb and forefinger, and drop them into the water. Cover and cook for two to three minutes until the slices float. Add seasonings like shredded ginger, vinegar, chili, and simmer briefly before serving.
Flavor Characteristics
Fuding Pork Slices are known for their tender, smooth texture, with each bite melting in your mouth. The dish’s unique taste comes from the carefully selected ingredients and meticulous preparation. The rich blend of sour, spicy, and savory flavors, especially when paired with Fuding’s local rice vinegar, chili, and cilantro, makes this dish irresistible. It’s a true local delicacy that leaves diners wanting more.
