Shaoxing Lao San Xian (绍兴老三鲜) has a rich history dating back over 800 years to the Southern Song Dynasty. Legend has it that this dish was created by the chef of Shaoxing’s wealthiest man, Zhang Yuanwai. Using locally sourced ingredients such as free-range pork from Jishan, chicken from Yue, fish balls from Lake Jian, and various fresh vegetables, the dish gained acclaim when Emperor Gaozong of the Song Dynasty sampled it and praised its exceptional freshness and flavor. Named “Shaoxing Three Fresh,” the dish represents the essence of Shaoxing’s culinary heritage and culture.
Main Ingredients:
- Meats: Free-range pork, chicken (or Yue chicken), and ham provide rich protein and a savory taste.
- Seafood: Fish balls and river shrimp enhance the dish’s freshness and nutritional value.
- Vegetables: Ingredients like egg skin, pig stomach slices, bamboo shoots, black fungus, and seasonal vegetables (such as cabbage, broccoli, and carrots) add vitamins and dietary fiber, giving the dish a refreshing flavor.
- Others: Scallions, ginger, and garlic are used as seasoning to enhance the aroma and taste of the dish.
Preparation Process:
- Prepare Ingredients: Clean and cut all ingredients into appropriate sizes. Pork and chicken can be minced into balls; shrimp should be peeled and deveined; vegetables should be sliced or cut into segments.
- Process Ingredients: Pre-treat ingredients as needed, such as blanching pig stomach slices to remove odor, softening skin with warm water, and boiling bamboo shoots to remove oxalates.
- Sauté Base Ingredients: Heat some oil in a pan and sauté scallions, ginger, and garlic to create a fragrant base.
- Add Ingredients: Add the prepared ingredients to the pan in stages, starting with those that take longer to cook (like pig stomach slices) and finishing with the quicker-cooking vegetables.
- Season: During stir-frying, add seasonings such as cooking wine and soy sauce. Cooking wine adds aroma, while soy sauce enhances the dish’s umami flavor.
- Simmer: Once all ingredients are well-mixed, add enough water to cover them and simmer over medium-low heat. This prevents the ingredients from becoming too soft and losing their texture. Add salt to taste once the ingredients are cooked through.
Flavor Characteristics:
- Varied Ingredients: The dish features a range of ingredients that create a rich, layered texture.
- Complex Taste: The combination of various meats, seafood, and vegetables provides a deep and harmonious flavor.
- Natural Freshness: Emphasis on preserving the original taste and nutritional value of the ingredients makes this dish both delicious and healthful.
Shaoxing Lao San Xian stands out for its diverse ingredients, rich texture, and delightful taste, capturing the essence of Shaoxing’s culinary traditions.