Deep-fried Chinese pork intestine, or chǎ cháng (炒腸), might sound intimidating to some, but this crispy, flavorful dish is a beloved street food and home-cooked favorite in many parts of China. While the ingredient might seem unusual to Western palates, the result is surprisingly delicious: a satisfyingly crunchy exterior giving way to a tender, savory interior. Don't let preconceived notions hold you back; the preparation, while requiring a few crucial steps, is surprisingly straightforward. The unique texture and rich taste make it a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
This seemingly simple dish requires careful preparation to achieve the perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness. Cleaning the intestines properly is key, and mastering a few crucial techniques will elevate your chǎ cháng from good to unforgettable. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step guide that will help you successfully prepare this delightful dish.
Tools Needed
- pan
- water
- knife
- spices bag
Ingredients
- pork intestine: 1000g
- flour: 8 tbsp
- salt: 10 tbsp
- ginger: 6 slices
- cooking wine: 2 tbsp
- white vinegar: 1 tbsp
- Chinese cinnamon: 5g
- star anise: 5g
- black cardamom: 1
- bay leaves: 5
- garlic: 6 cloves
- dried black peppers: 5g
- crystal sugar: 10g
- chicken powder: 1 tbsp
- light soy sauce: 2 tbsp
- stock soy sauce: 2 tbsp
- oyster sauce: 2 tbsp
- sunflower oil: enough for deep frying
- red bell pepper: 1
- yellow bell pepper: 1
- green bell pepper: 1
- peanut oil: 1 tbsp
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Clean and Prepare the Intestines
- Wash the pork intestine thoroughly. Add 2 tbsp flour and 2 tbsp salt, and scrub for 1 minute. Rinse with water. Repeat this process three times (12.24, 14.719, 17.68, 26.16, 38.8, 43.12, 47.28, 57.6, 62.16, 74.56).
- Turn the intestine inside out and wash the reverse side . Add 2 tbsp flour and 2 tbsp salt, scrub for 1 minute, and rinse. Repeat this process twice (85.439, 93.6, 109.439, 113.36).
- Clean the fat and any unpleasant odors from the intestine . Add 2 tbsp flour and 2 tbsp salt, scrub for 1 minute, and rinse. Add 2 tbsp salt, scrub for 1 minute, and rinse (145.76, 164.16, 167.92).
- Cut the pork intestine into smaller pieces to help with sauce absorption . Add 2 tbsp salt, scrub for 1 minute, and rinse .
- Add intestine, three slices of ginger, enough water, 1 tbsp cooking wine, and 1 tbsp white vinegar to a pan. Boil, then blanch for 2 minutes. Rinse with cold water and set aside .
Step 2. Braise the Intestines
- Combine 5g Chinese cinnamon, 5g star anise, 1 black cardamom, 5 bay leaves, 3 slices of ginger, 2 cloves of garlic, and 5g dried black peppers in a bag .
- Add the intestine, spice bag, 10g crystal sugar, 1 tbsp chicken powder, 1 tsp cooking wine, 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 2 tbsp stock soy sauce, and 2 tbsp oyster sauce to a pan with enough water. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for one hour, until most of the water evaporates .
Step 3. Deep Fry the Intestines
- Heat enough sunflower oil in a pan until it bubbles. Fry the intestine over low heat until lightly golden brown on both sides .
Step 4. Optional: Stir-fry with Bell Peppers
- Drain the intestine, let it cool, and cut into smaller pieces .
- Heat 1 tbsp peanut oil in a pan. Add minced garlic, stir-fry until fragrant. Add sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), stir-fry until softened. Add the fried pork intestine, salt, and light soy sauce. Stir-fry evenly .
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Thorough cleaning is crucial to remove any unpleasant odors from the pork intestine.
- Adjust the frying time to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 2500-3000
- Fat: 150-200g
- Carbs: 50-70g
- Protein: 150-200g
FAQs
1. Where can I buy pork intestines?
Most Asian grocery stores carry fresh pork intestines. You may also find them frozen, but fresh is generally preferred for best results.
2. How do I clean the intestines properly?
Thoroughly clean the intestines by turning them inside out, scrubbing with salt and vinegar, and rinsing multiple times. Ensure all residue is removed before cooking.
3. What if my intestines are too tough after frying?
Ensure you pre-boil the intestines for a short time to tenderize them before frying. Over-frying can also lead to toughness, so monitor the cooking process carefully.
With a little patience and attention to detail, you've now mastered the art of making delicious deep-fried Chinese pork intestine. This flavorful and texturally unique dish is sure to impress your friends and family, or simply become a new personal favorite. So go ahead, embrace the adventure, and enjoy the crispy, savory results!