Jiangxi Steamed Pork with Rice Flour (江西粉蒸肉) has a long history, dating back to the Song Dynasty. The Qing Dynasty poet Yuan Mei mentioned this dish in his book Suiyuan Shidan (A Gastronomic Record), stating: “Steamed pork with rice flour, without the use of water, thus its flavor is complete. It is a dish from Jiangxi.” This is considered one of the earliest and most reliable written records of Jiangxi Steamed Pork with Rice Flour.
Main Ingredients and Preparation Method
Main Ingredients: The dish uses a mix of fatty and lean pork belly with skin on, rice flour made from a combination of glutinous rice and regular rice, cooking wine, soy sauce, salt, chicken essence, sesame oil, and other seasonings. It is often served with side ingredients such as potatoes or lotus root, which help enhance the dish’s flavor.
Preparation Method:
- First, clean the pork belly and cut it into medium-thick slices.
- Marinate the pork slices with minced ginger, garlic, cooking wine, soy sauce, salt, chicken essence, and sesame oil for about one hour, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- After marinating, coat each slice of pork with rice flour, ensuring the rice flour is evenly and finely adhered to the surface.
- Cut potatoes or lotus root into chunks and place them at the bottom of a steaming dish. Then, arrange the rice-flour-coated pork slices on top.
- Steam the dish over high heat until the pork becomes tender and the rice flour absorbs the flavors, giving the dish a rich, oily sheen.
Taste and Flavor
Jiangxi Steamed Pork with Rice Flour is known for its tender and savory texture, with a perfect balance of fat and lean meat. The dish is fatty without being greasy, and lean without being tough. The rice flour absorbs the pork’s fat, creating a deliciously smooth texture that enhances the dish’s flavor while also helping to stimulate digestion and appetite. As you chew, you can savor the juicy, flavorful pork and the delicate, slippery rice flour, while the aromatic seasonings burst in your mouth. This creates a satisfying and unforgettable culinary experience that leaves a lasting impression.
