Part 1: Ingredient Selection – Choosing the Right Ingredients to Lay the Foundation of Flavor
1. Choosing the Peppers
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Type: It’s recommended to use green or red peppers that are moderately spicy and have thick flesh, such as Erjingtiao or lantern peppers. These types ensure good texture and can hold enough filling.
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Freshness: Choose peppers that are brightly colored, with smooth, undamaged skin. These not only taste better but also better retain the original flavor of the ingredients.
2. Preparing the Filling
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Basic Filling: Ground pork belly is a classic choice. Its mix of fat and lean meat offers a delicate texture. You can enhance the flavor and texture by adding chopped mushrooms and water chestnuts.
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Seasoning: Use light soy sauce and dark soy sauce for color and flavor. Minced green onion, ginger, and garlic help eliminate odors and add aroma. Add salt, sugar, and pepper to taste. For additional flavor, a bit of oyster sauce or doubanjiang (fermented bean paste) can be added depending on personal preference.
Part 2: The Cooking Process – Craftsmanship in Every Detail
1. Preparing the Peppers
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Washing: Rinse the peppers, remove the stems and seeds. Be careful not to damage the pepper walls to ensure the filling stays intact.
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Blanching (Optional): To reduce spiciness or make the peppers softer, briefly blanch them in hot water. Be careful to preserve their shape and color.
2. Mixing the Filling: Combine the ground pork belly with chopped mushrooms and water chestnuts. Add the seasonings and stir clockwise until the mixture becomes sticky and cohesive, which gives the filling a firm and springy texture.
3. The Art of Filling: Use chopsticks or your fingers to gently stuff the filling into the peppers. Make sure not to overfill (to prevent spilling during cooking) or underfill (which affects texture and satisfaction).
Part 3: Cooking – Mastering the Heat to Elevate Flavor
1. Pan-Frying: In a hot pan with a small amount of oil, place the stuffed peppers in and pan-fry them over low heat until both sides are golden brown. This locks in the flavor and creates a deliciously crispy surface on the peppers.
2. Simmering with Seasoning: Add a small amount of water or broth to the pan, season with light soy sauce and sugar for extra flavor. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 5–8 minutes, allowing the peppers to absorb the sauce and become tender and flavorful.
3. Reducing the Sauce and Plating: Once the liquid has reduced and the peppers are fully cooked, remove them from the pan and plate. Garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro to enhance color and aroma. And just like that, your delicious, aromatic stuffed peppers are ready to serve.
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