Steamed pork is a very common dish for many, such as sticky rice steamed pork, preserved vegetable steamed pork, and taro steamed pork. After being processed in this way, the pork can achieve a rich but not greasy effect. Here, we use a Chinese medicinal herb to create another dish called Steamed Pork with Kudzu Root.
What is Kudzu Root?
Kudzu root, also known as Pueraria lobata, is a Chinese medicinal herb that can treat headaches and fever, quench thirst, and stop diarrhea. However, it should not be consumed excessively. When selecting kudzu root, if both ends have turned black, it indicates that the root has started to spoil and should not be purchased.
How to Make Steamed Pork with Kudzu Root
Ingredients Preparation
1 pound of pork belly, 625 grams of kudzu root, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of red fermented bean curd (Nanru), 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, a little Sichuan pepper, 1 star anise, 5 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, half a teaspoon of salt.
Cooking Method
1. Dilute the red fermented bean curd (Nanru) with a little boiling water. Wash the pork belly and set aside.
2. Stir-fry the Sichuan pepper and star anise in a wok until fragrant. Then add 5 cups of water and the pork belly, simmer for 20 minutes. Remove the pork and drain.
3. Place the vinegar in a plate, place the pork belly skin-side down, soak for 20 minutes, then coat with dark soy sauce and honey. Fry in hot oil until the skin turns golden brown. Remove and slice the pork.
4. Heat oil in a pan, stir-fry the minced garlic and red fermented bean curd (Nanru) until fragrant. Add sugar and salt, stir-fry evenly, then mix with the pork slices.
5. Peel and wash the kudzu root, cut into slices of the same size as the pork belly slices. Drain the slices.
6. Arrange the kudzu root and pork slices alternately in a plate, steam over high heat for about 1.5 hours. Invert onto a serving plate before serving.
Tips and Nutritional Benefits of Steamed Pork with Kudzu Root
1. The pork belly should not be too fatty or too lean; choose one that is slightly fattier.
2. Taro can be used instead of kudzu root.
3. Kudzu root helps to relieve fever, improve memory, and aid cardiovascular circulation.