If you want to try real Hunan food, you can’t miss Hunan Stir-Fried Pork with Chili (湖南辣椒炒肉). This dish is super popular in Hunan – almost every family makes it, and you’ll find it in every restaurant, from fancy places to small street-side eateries. We even call it the “soul of Hunan cuisine” because it perfectly represents our love for bold, spicy flavors!
The Story Behind the Dish
A long time ago, during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, people in Hunan started cooking pork with chili peppers. At first, it was just a simple home-style dish, but over time, it became one of Hunan’s signature dishes. Why? Because the combination of tender pork and spicy chili is just too good! The pork is rich but not greasy, and the chili gives it a fresh, fiery kick – spicy, fragrant, and super addictive.
What’s in It?
The key ingredients are pretty simple:
- Pork belly – It has the perfect balance of fat and lean meat.
- Fresh chili peppers – We usually use 螺丝椒 or 杭椒, which are spicy but also a bit sweet.
- Garlic, ginger, and fermented black beans – These add extra depth and aroma.
When cooked together, the fat from the pork melts into the chili, making every bite packed with flavor. The dish is spicy, smoky, and full of wok-fried goodness!
How It’s Made
It might look simple, but cooking it right takes skill! Here’s how we do it:
- Slice pork belly thinly and (sometimes) marinate it with soy sauce and cooking wine.
- Cut chili peppers into small pieces and prepare garlic, ginger, and black beans.
- Heat a wok and stir-fry the pork on low heat until it turns golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Add garlic, ginger, and black beans, then stir until fragrant.
- Pour in cooking wine and soy sauce, then stir everything together.
- Toss in the chili peppers and turn up the heat! Quickly stir-fry until the peppers are slightly wrinkled but still crisp.
- Add a bit of salt, mix well, and it’s ready to serve!
Why Hunan People Love It
This dish isn’t just food – it’s part of our culture. The spicy heat and rich pork flavors represent Hunan people’s bold and straightforward personality. In Hunan, we love spicy food, and we love sharing meals with friends and family. When you eat Hunan Stir-Fried Pork with Chili, you’re tasting the warmth and passion of Hunan people.
