Jiangxi-style Spicy Pork Stew

Ingredients

While Bicol Express is a popular Filipino dish made with pork, coconut milk, and chili peppers, Jiangxi-style Spicy Pork Stew takes inspiration from the flavors and spices of Jiangxi cuisine. The original dish is known for its creamy and coconutty taste, whereas the adapted version focuses on the bold and spicy flavors of Jiangxi. The use of aromatic spices and the absence of coconut milk differentiate this dish from its Filipino counterpart. We alse have the original recipe for Bicol Express, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 red chili peppers, sliced 2 red chili peppers, sliced
• 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon chili bean paste 1 tablespoon chili bean paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup chicken broth 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 4g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, sliced red chili peppers, and Sichuan peppercorns. Sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the pork shoulder pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Stir in the chili bean paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Mix well to coat the pork.
5. 5.
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 1 hour or until the pork is tender.
6. 6.
   Season with salt to taste.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — Choose a well-marbled cut of pork shoulder for maximum flavor and tenderness. Trim any excess fat before cutting into bite-sized pieces.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra spicy kick, add more chili peppers or Sichuan peppercorns.
• Adjust the amount of chili bean paste according to your spice tolerance.
• Serve the stew with steamed rice or noodles to balance the spiciness.
• Make a larger batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick and satisfying meal later.
• Experiment with different cuts of pork, such as pork belly or tenderloin, for variation in texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Jiangxi-style Spicy Pork Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Accompany it with steamed rice or noodles to complement the flavors and soak up the delicious sauce.

Presentation advice

Present the Jiangxi-style Spicy Pork Stew in a deep bowl, allowing the vibrant red color of the stew to stand out. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro for a pop of green.