Northeastern Chinese-style Mljetski Makaruli

Ingredients

In this Northeastern Chinese adaptation of Mljetski Makaruli, we incorporate the flavors and ingredients commonly found in Northeastern Chinese cuisine. The original Croatian dish is transformed by using Chinese spices such as Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and ginger, which infuse the dish with a unique and aromatic flavor profile. Additionally, we substitute traditional Croatian ingredients with Northeastern Chinese staples like soy sauce, black vinegar, and chili oil to enhance the umami and spiciness of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Mljetski makaruli, so you can check it out.

• 250g (8.8 oz) noodles 250g (8.8 oz) noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
• 2 star anise 2 star anise
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon black vinegar 1 tablespoon black vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili oil 1 tablespoon chili oil
• 200g (7 oz) ground pork 200g (7 oz) ground pork
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 green onions, chopped 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Sesame seeds, for garnish Sesame seeds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, crushed Sichuan peppercorns, and star anise. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the ground pork to the wok and cook until browned and cooked through.
4. 4.
   Stir in the shredded cabbage and julienned carrot. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, black vinegar, and chili oil. Pour the sauce over the pork and vegetables in the wok. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked noodles to the wok and toss until they are evenly coated with the sauce.
7. 7.
   Season with salt to taste and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
8. 8.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Noodles — Cook the noodles until al dente to ensure they have a satisfying chewiness.
• Sichuan peppercorns — Crush the peppercorns before adding them to the dish to release their aromatic flavor.
• Chili oil — Adjust the amount of chili oil according to your spice preference. Add more for a spicier dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground pork with crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein.
• Customize the spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili oil or adding fresh chili peppers.
• Add a splash of Chinese black vinegar for an extra tangy flavor.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped peanuts for added freshness and crunch.
• Serve with a side of pickled vegetables to complement the flavors of the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Northeastern Chinese-style Mljetski Makaruli hot as a main course. It pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple cucumber salad.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few fresh cilantro leaves. Serve it in a vibrant Chinese-style bowl to showcase the fusion of cuisines.