Yu Xiang Rou Si: The Spicy and Sweet Pork Dish You Need in Your Life

Yu Xiang Rou Si, also known as Fish Fragrant Shredded Pork, is a beloved dish in Sichuan cuisine. Despite its name, this dish has nothing to do with fish. Instead, it gets its name from the spicy and sweet sauce that's typically used in fish dishes in Sichuan cuisine. Yu Xiang Rou Si is a flavourful combination of tender pork strips, crunchy vegetables, and a spicy-sweet sauce that's sure to make your taste buds dance.

Here's how to make Yu Xiang Rou Si at home:

Ingredients:

- 1/2 lb pork tenderloin, cut into thin strips

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 small onion, sliced

- 1/2 cup sliced bamboo shoots

- 1/2 cup sliced wood ear mushrooms

- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided

- 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns

- 1 tbsp doubanjiang (spicy broad bean paste)

- 1 tbsp chili bean paste

- 1 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tbsp sugar

- 1 tsp cornstarch

- 2 green onions, chopped

- Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add the pork strips and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in the same wok over high heat. Add the garlic, onion, bamboo shoots, and wood ear mushrooms. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.

3. Add the Sichuan peppercorns, doubanjiang, and chili bean paste to the wok. Stir-fry for another minute or so, until fragrant.

4. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water. Pour the mixture into the wok and stir to combine.

5. Add the cooked pork strips back to the wok and stir to coat in the sauce. Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the pork is heated through.

6. Stir in the chopped green onions and remove from heat.

7. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Yu Xiang Rou Si is a popular dish for both lunch and dinner, and it's a delicious way to experience the bold and vibrant flavours of Sichuan cuisine. The spicy and sweet sauce pairs perfectly with the tender pork strips and crunchy vegetables, making this dish a favourite among many. 

If you're looking to switch things up in the kitchen and impress your family and friends with a flavour-packed meal, give this Yu Xiang Rou Si recipe a try. It's sure to be a crowd-pleaser!