Shuizhu

Shuizhuniurou

Shuizhu (水煮) is a traditional Sichuanese dish known for its bold flavors and spicy heat. The name "Shuizhu" translates to "water-boiled" in English, which refers to the cooking method used to prepare the dish. Despite the name, the dish is not simply boiled in water; it involves a complex layering of flavors and ingredients.

Ingredients

The primary ingredients of Shuizhu typically include:

• Beef, pork, or fish
• Sichuan peppercorns
• Dried chili peppers
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Scallions
• Soy sauce
• Doubanjiang (fermented broad bean and chili paste)
• Vegetable oil
• Vegetables such as bean sprouts, cabbage, or celery

Preparation

The preparation of Shuizhu involves several steps: 1. Marinating the Meat: The chosen meat (beef, pork, or fish) is thinly sliced and marinated with soy sauce, cooking wine, and cornstarch to tenderize and flavor the meat. 2. Preparing the Broth: A flavorful broth is made using water, soy sauce, doubanjiang, garlic, ginger, and scallions. The broth is brought to a boil and simmered to develop the flavors. 3. Cooking the Vegetables: Vegetables are briefly blanched in the broth and then removed and placed in a serving bowl. 4. Cooking the Meat: The marinated meat is then added to the boiling broth and cooked until just done. 5. Final Assembly: The cooked meat is placed over the vegetables in the serving bowl. A generous amount of dried chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns are sprinkled on top. 6. Hot Oil Pouring: Hot vegetable oil is poured over the dish to release the aroma of the spices and create a sizzling effect.

Serving

Shuizhu is typically served in a large bowl, with the meat and vegetables submerged in the spicy broth. It is often accompanied by steamed rice to balance the intense flavors and heat of the dish.

Cultural Significance

Shuizhu is a quintessential dish in Sichuan cuisine, showcasing the region's love for spicy and flavorful food. It is a popular dish in both restaurants and home cooking, celebrated for its complex taste and the numbing sensation provided by the Sichuan peppercorns.

Related Pages

• Sichuan cuisine
• Doubanjiang
• Sichuan peppercorn
• Chili pepper
• Chinese cuisine