Chinese-style cured pork strips, also known as “larou” or “Chinese bacon,” have been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. These crispy, savory, and irresistible strips of cured pork are a popular ingredient in many Chinese dishes, from stir-fries to braises. In this article, we will explore the art of cooking Chinese-style cured pork strips, including the different types of cured pork, the curing process, and various cooking methods.
Understanding Chinese-Style Cured Pork
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to understand the different types of Chinese-style cured pork. There are several varieties, each with its unique flavor profile and texture.
Types of Chinese-Style Cured Pork
- Larou: This is the most common type of Chinese-style cured pork. It is made from pork belly or shoulder, which is cured with a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices.
- Jiangcured pork: This type of cured pork is made from pork belly or shoulder, which is cured with a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and spices.
- Sichuan-style cured pork: This type of cured pork is made from pork belly or shoulder, which is cured with a mixture of chili peppers, garlic, and spices.
The Curing Process
The curing process is a crucial step in making Chinese-style cured pork. The curing process involves applying a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices to the pork, which helps to preserve the meat and enhance its flavor.
Basic Curing Mixture
Here is a basic curing mixture recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| ———- | ——– |
| Salt | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Pink curing salt | 2 tablespoons |
| Black pepper | 1 tablespoon |
| Five-spice powder | 1 tablespoon |
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, sugar, pink curing salt, black pepper, and five-spice powder until well combined.
- Rub the curing mixture all over the pork, making sure to cover every surface evenly.
- Place the pork on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or a tray, and let it cure in the refrigerator for at least 2 days or up to 5 days.
Cooking Chinese-Style Cured Pork Strips
Once the pork is cured, it’s time to cook it. There are several ways to cook Chinese-style cured pork strips, including pan-frying, deep-frying, and braising.
Pan-Frying Chinese-Style Cured Pork Strips
Pan-frying is a popular way to cook Chinese-style cured pork strips. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Chinese-style cured pork strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 10 seconds.
- Add the Chinese-style cured pork strips and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, and cornstarch.
- Add the soy sauce mixture to the saucepan and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the water to the saucepan and cook until the sauce has reached the desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped scallions (if using) and serve immediately.
Deep-Frying Chinese-Style Cured Pork Strips
Deep-frying is another popular way to cook Chinese-style cured pork strips. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Chinese-style cured pork strips
- Vegetable oil for deep-frying
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F.
- Add the Chinese-style cured pork strips to the hot oil and deep-fry until crispy and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the pork strips from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Braising Chinese-Style Cured Pork Strips
Braising is a great way to cook Chinese-style cured pork strips, especially if you want to add more flavor to the dish. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Chinese-style cured pork strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup braising liquid (such as stock or wine)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 10 seconds.
- Add the Chinese-style cured pork strips and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, and cornstarch.
- Add the soy sauce mixture to the saucepan and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the braising liquid to the saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, until the pork strips are tender and the sauce has thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped scallions (if using) and serve immediately.
In conclusion, cooking Chinese-style cured pork strips is a simple and delicious way to add flavor and texture to your dishes. Whether you pan-fry, deep-fry, or braise the pork strips, the result is sure to be crispy, savory, and irresistible.
What is Chinese-Style Cured Pork Strips?
Chinese-Style Cured Pork Strips, also known as “larou” or “Chinese bacon,” is a popular Chinese dish made from cured pork belly that has been marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and spices. The curing process involves applying a combination of salt, sugar, and other ingredients to the pork belly to draw out moisture and preserve the meat. This process gives the pork its distinctive flavor and texture.
The resulting cured pork strips are typically crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a rich, savory flavor that is both sweet and umami. They can be served as a snack or appetizer, or used as an ingredient in a variety of Chinese dishes, such as stir-fries and braises.
What are the key ingredients for making Chinese-Style Cured Pork Strips?
The key ingredients for making Chinese-Style Cured Pork Strips include pork belly, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and spices such as five-spice powder and Szechuan peppercorns. Other ingredients that may be used include Shaoxing wine, hoisin sauce, and fermented bean paste. The quality of the ingredients is important, as it will affect the flavor and texture of the final product.
It’s also worth noting that some ingredients, such as Szechuan peppercorns and fermented bean paste, may be difficult to find in some areas. However, they can often be substituted with other ingredients or omitted altogether if necessary. The most important thing is to use high-quality pork belly and to follow the curing and cooking process carefully.
How do I cure the pork belly for Chinese-Style Cured Pork Strips?
To cure the pork belly for Chinese-Style Cured Pork Strips, you will need to mix together a curing blend of salt, sugar, and spices, and then apply it to the pork belly. The curing blend should be rubbed all over the pork belly, making sure to cover every surface evenly. The pork belly should then be left to cure in the refrigerator for several days, or until it has reached the desired level of dryness and flavor.
During the curing process, it’s essential to massage the pork belly regularly to help distribute the curing blend evenly and to prevent the growth of bacteria. You should also check on the pork belly regularly to ensure that it is not too dry or too wet. If necessary, you can adjust the curing time or add more curing blend to achieve the desired result.
How do I cook Chinese-Style Cured Pork Strips?
To cook Chinese-Style Cured Pork Strips, you can either deep-fry them or pan-fry them. Deep-frying will give the pork strips a crispy exterior and a tender interior, while pan-frying will result in a slightly chewier texture. To deep-fry the pork strips, heat a pot of oil to the correct temperature and then carefully add the pork strips. To pan-fry the pork strips, heat a pan with some oil over medium heat and then add the pork strips.
Regardless of the cooking method, it’s essential to cook the pork strips until they are crispy and golden brown. This will help to bring out the flavors of the curing blend and to add texture to the dish. You can also add aromatics such as garlic and ginger to the pan for extra flavor.
Can I make Chinese-Style Cured Pork Strips at home?
Yes, you can make Chinese-Style Cured Pork Strips at home. While it may require some patience and effort, the process of curing and cooking the pork belly is relatively straightforward. You will need to have some basic kitchen equipment, such as a refrigerator and a pan or deep fryer, as well as some ingredients such as pork belly and curing blend.
To make Chinese-Style Cured Pork Strips at home, you can follow a recipe or use a pre-made curing blend. It’s also a good idea to do some research and read reviews from other people who have made the dish before. This will help you to understand the process better and to avoid any common mistakes.
How do I store Chinese-Style Cured Pork Strips?
Chinese-Style Cured Pork Strips can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several weeks. They can also be frozen for longer-term storage. To store the pork strips, make sure they are completely cool and dry, and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
When storing Chinese-Style Cured Pork Strips, it’s essential to keep them away from strong-smelling foods, as they can absorb odors easily. You should also check on the pork strips regularly to ensure that they are not developing any off-flavors or textures. If you notice any changes, it’s best to use the pork strips immediately or discard them.
Can I use Chinese-Style Cured Pork Strips in other dishes?
Yes, Chinese-Style Cured Pork Strips can be used in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries, braises, and noodle dishes. They can also be served as a topping for soups or salads, or used as an ingredient in dumplings and other Chinese snacks.
When using Chinese-Style Cured Pork Strips in other dishes, it’s essential to slice them thinly and cook them until they are crispy. This will help to bring out their flavor and texture. You can also add aromatics such as garlic and ginger to the pan for extra flavor.