The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Delicious and Clean Braised Pork Intestines (Liú Féicháng)256

Liú Féicháng (溜肥肠), or braised pork intestines, is a popular and flavorful dish in Chinese cuisine. While the ingredient might seem intimidating to some, with the right preparation and technique, this dish delivers incredibly tender and savory intestines, a true testament to the magic of Chinese cooking. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you achieve a delicious and clean-tasting result every time.

Understanding the Ingredient: Pork Intestines

The key to successful Liú Féicháng lies in properly preparing the intestines. The intestines used are typically the large intestines of pigs. The most crucial step is thorough cleaning. Improper cleaning can result in a lingering unpleasant odor and a less enjoyable eating experience. Many butchers will clean them for you, which is highly recommended, especially if you're a beginner. However, if you're doing it yourself, be prepared for a multi-stage process:

Cleaning the Intestines: A Step-by-Step Guide
Turn the intestines inside out: This allows for thorough cleaning of both the inner and outer surfaces.
Rinse thoroughly with cold water: Remove any visible impurities.
Scrape the inner lining: Use a blunt knife or the back of a spoon to gently scrape away any remaining residue.
Soak in salt water: Submerge the intestines in a solution of salt and water (approximately 2 tablespoons of salt per gallon of water) for at least 30 minutes. This helps to draw out any remaining impurities and further neutralize any odors.
Wash again: Thoroughly rinse the intestines under cold running water until the water runs clear.
Optional: Blanch in boiling water: Briefly blanch the intestines in boiling water for a few seconds to remove any lingering impurities. Be careful not to overcook them.
Final rinse: Give the intestines one final rinse before proceeding with the recipe.

The Recipe: Liú Féicháng

Ingredients:
500g cleaned pork intestines, cut into 3-inch pieces
1 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 star anise
2 dried chilies (adjust to your spice preference)
1 tbsp rock sugar
2 tbsp cooking oil
1 cup water
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:
Blanch the intestines (optional): If you haven't already, briefly blanch the intestines in boiling water for about 30 seconds.
Sauté aromatics: Heat the cooking oil in a wok or large pot over medium heat. Add the ginger and garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Brown the intestines: Add the pork intestines to the wok and stir-fry until lightly browned on all sides. This helps to develop a rich flavor.
Add seasonings: Add the Shaoxing rice wine, soy sauce, star anise, dried chilies, and rock sugar. Stir well to coat the intestines evenly.
Braising: Add the water, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and braise for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the intestines are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Thicken the sauce (optional): If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to reduce it further.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot. This dish pairs well with steamed rice.

Tips and Variations:
Don't be afraid of the intestines: Proper cleaning is key. If you're still concerned, buy pre-cleaned intestines from a reputable butcher.
Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of chilies to your spice preference. You can also add other aromatics, such as Sichuan peppercorns, for added complexity.
Slow and low: Low and slow cooking is crucial for tender intestines. Don't rush the braising process.
Pressure cooker option: For faster cooking, you can use a pressure cooker. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Serving suggestions: Liú Féicháng is delicious on its own, but it also complements other dishes well.

Liú Féicháng is a rewarding dish to prepare. While the cleaning process might seem daunting, the result is a delicious and comforting meal that's sure to impress. With patience and careful attention to detail, you'll be able to enjoy this flavorful Chinese delicacy in the comfort of your own home.

2025-03-08

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