Steamed Pork w_ Rice Powder Recipe
**Making Braised Pork with Rice Powder**
To start making braised pork with rice powder, you need to make the rice powder first. This is a crucial step that can't be skipped as it provides the foundation for the dish's flavor and texture. The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of rice powder, which is enough to coat about 1 pound of meat. To make the rice powder, you simply mix cooked rice with water until you get a smooth paste. Then, dry it in the sun or using a dehydrator until it becomes powdery and fine.
Once you have your rice powder, you can start preparing the ingredients. You'll need one pound of pork, which can be any cut you like. My grandma uses pork belly because she loves the fatty mouthfeel, but I prefer pork shoulder as it's rich in flavor and has a fair amount of fat. Slice the pork into bite-sized pieces, making sure they're all roughly the same size.
Next, prepare the marinade by mixing together three cloves of garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Chinese cooking wine (also known as shaoxing wine), and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Yes, you read that right - a whole clove of garlic is not necessary, but it does add depth to the dish. You can adjust the amount of ginger and garlic to your taste.
The final ingredient in our recipe is Chinese fermented bean curd, which my grandma swears by for its unique flavor. The bean curd comes in a block form and needs to be smashed into a paste before adding it to the marinade. Simply smash the bean curd with a pestle or the back of a knife until you get a smooth, sticky paste.
Now that your ingredients are ready, let's assemble everything. In a large bowl, combine the rice powder, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, and salt. Mix everything together until well combined. Add the pork pieces to the marinade mixture and stir until they're evenly coated with the rice powder mixture.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit for 20 minutes while you prepare the steamer basket. You'll need a lotus leaf, which has a unique fragrance that enhances the flavor of the dish without overpowering it. Lotus leaves are also great for making traditional Chinese desserts. If you can't find fresh lotus leaves, parchment paper is a suitable substitute.
Place the lotus leaf in the steamer basket, and poke some holes in it to allow steam to pass through. You can also use multiple layers of parchment paper if needed. Now that everything is ready, place your braised pork pieces onto the prepared lotus leaf or parchment paper.
Coat the meat evenly with the rice powder mixture, shaking off any excess. Place the steamer over some cold water and turn the heat to high until the water boils. Then, reduce the heat to low and steam the pork for 1.5 hours. This is a crucial step in making braised pork that's tender and flavorful.
After an hour and a half, check on your pork by lifting one of the pieces. It should be tender but still pink in the center. If it's not yet cooked through, cover it with more rice powder mixture and return it to the steamer for another 30 minutes.
Once the pork is done, remove it from the steamer and let it cool slightly. Garnish with diced scallions and red hot chilies to add some color and flavor to your dish. Serve the braised pork immediately, and don't be surprised if it's the best thing you've ever tasted.
**The Magic of Time**
One of the most surprising aspects of this recipe is that it tastes better when left to sit in the fridge overnight. My grandma always said that time was the key ingredient in this recipe, but I didn't believe her until now. Leaving the pork to marinate for a long time allows the flavors to meld together and develop a deep, complex taste that's hard to achieve with shorter cooking times.
In fact, if you eat this dish on the same day you make it, it won't be nearly as good as it is after a night in the fridge. The flavors will have had time to mature and blend together, creating a truly unique experience for your taste buds. So don't be afraid to let your braised pork sit overnight - it's worth it.
**Tips and Variations**
As with any recipe, there are always variations and tips to improve upon. Here are a few suggestions:
* Use different types of meat: While pork is the traditional choice, you can also experiment with chicken or beef for a unique twist.
* Adjust the amount of ginger and garlic: Some people prefer their braised pork more garlicky or spicy, so feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking.
* Add other ingredients: Consider adding sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or baby corn to add texture and flavor to your dish.
With these tips in mind, you're ready to start making braised pork with rice powder. Remember to be patient and let the flavors develop - it's worth the wait!