Nordic-inspired Guaiwei with a Twist

Ingredients

In this Nordic adaptation of Guaiwei, the traditional Chinese ingredients are replaced with Nordic counterparts. The original Sichuan peppercorns are substituted with Nordic spices, such as caraway seeds or juniper berries, to achieve a similar numbing effect. Additionally, Nordic vegetables like root vegetables, cabbage, and mushrooms are used instead of the traditional Chinese vegetables. The dish is also garnished with fresh herbs like dill or parsley, which adds a distinct Nordic touch. We alse have the original recipe for Guaiwei, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork or beef, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) pork or beef, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds or crushed juniper berries 1 teaspoon caraway seeds or crushed juniper berries
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, julienned 2 carrots, julienned
• 1 small cabbage, shredded 1 small cabbage, shredded
• 200g (7 oz) mushrooms, sliced 200g (7 oz) mushrooms, sliced
• Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 6g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the sliced meat, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and caraway seeds or crushed juniper berries. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated meat and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove the meat from the pan and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same pan, add the sliced onion and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for a few minutes until slightly softened.
4. 4.
   Add the shredded cabbage and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Continue stir-frying until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. 5.
   Return the cooked meat to the pan and toss everything together. Season with salt to taste.
6. 6.
   Garnish with fresh dill or parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Caraway seeds or crushed juniper berries — These Nordic spices provide a unique flavor profile to the dish. Adjust the amount according to your preference for a milder or stronger taste.
• Fresh dill or parsley — The choice of herbs can vary based on personal preference. Dill adds a distinct Nordic flavor, while parsley offers a more neutral herbaceous taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Experiment with different Nordic vegetables like turnips or kale to add variety to the dish.
• Serve the Nordic-inspired Guaiwei with a side of pickled vegetables for a traditional Nordic touch.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with tofu or tempeh and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less caraway seeds or crushed juniper berries.

Serving advice

Serve the Nordic-inspired Guaiwei hot with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying and complete meal. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley to enhance the Nordic flavors.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stir-fried meat and vegetables on a large serving platter, allowing the vibrant colors to shine through. Sprinkle fresh dill or parsley on top for an appealing finishing touch.