Chinese Pork Jelly Recipe: A Simple Guide to Making This Classic Dish

Chinese pork jelly is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed in China for centuries, and is made by simmering pork rind with a variety of seasonings and spices until it forms a beautiful, slightly transparent block of jelly. The result is a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture with rich, creamy flavours that are sure to delight your taste buds.

Chinese pork jelly has a rich history and cultural significance in Chinese cuisine. It is often served as a side dish during special occasions, such as weddings and New Year's celebrations, and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. The dish is also popular in Teochew cuisine, a regional Chinese cuisine that originated from the Chaoshan region in Guangdong province.

If you're interested in trying your hand at making Chinese pork jelly, there are a few essential ingredients and preparation techniques you'll need to know. Pork rind, also known as pork skin or pigskin, is the main ingredient and is simmered with seasonings such as soy sauce, ginger, and star anise. The jelly is then set in a mould and chilled until firm. Once you've mastered the basics, you can experiment with different variations and modern twists to make the dish your own.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese pork jelly is a traditional Chinese dish made by simmering pork rind with seasonings and spices until it forms a beautiful, slightly transparent block of jelly.
• The dish has a rich history and cultural significance in Chinese cuisine, and is often served during special occasions.
• To make Chinese pork jelly, you'll need essential ingredients such as pork rind and seasonings, and will need to master basic preparation techniques before experimenting with variations and modern twists.

History and Cultural Significance

If you're a fan of pork dishes, you're in for a treat with Chinese pork jelly. This traditional aspic dish has been a staple of Teochew cuisine for centuries and is now enjoyed throughout China and beyond.

Regional Variations

Chinese pork jelly has several regional variations, but the most popular is the Teochew version. This dish is made by boiling pork trotters and skin until it becomes a gelatinous broth. The broth is then flavoured with soy sauce, sugar, and spices before being poured into a mould and left to set.

Festive Traditions

Chinese pork jelly is especially popular during Chinese New Year celebrations. It is believed that eating this dish during the holiday brings good luck and prosperity for the coming year. In some regions of China, people also eat pork jelly during the Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.

Pork jelly has a long history in China, dating back to the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). In fact, it was considered a delicacy during the Tang dynasty (618–907 CE) and was often served to royalty and nobles. Today, Chinese pork jelly remains a favourite dish for many and is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of China.

Essential Ingredients

If you want to make Chinese pork jelly, you will need to have some essential ingredients. These ingredients are typically divided into two categories: primary components and flavour enhancers.

Primary Components

The primary components of Chinese pork jelly are pork skin, pork rind, and gelatin. Pork skin and pork rind are both used to add texture to the dish, while gelatin is used to help it set. You can find pork skin and pork rind at most Asian grocery stores. Gelatin is available in most supermarkets.

Flavour Enhancers

To give your Chinese pork jelly its distinctive flavour, you will need to add some flavour enhancers. The most common flavour enhancers used in this dish are soy sauce, salt, sugar, and vinegar. Soy sauce is used to add a salty, umami flavour, while salt and sugar are used to balance out the flavours. Vinegar is used to add a tangy taste.

In addition to these ingredients, you will also need some aromatics to add flavour. These include scallion, ginger, garlic, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, Sichuan peppercorn, and five spice powder. You can adjust the amount of these ingredients to suit your taste.

The ingredients for Chinese pork jelly are relatively easy to find. With a little bit of effort, you can create a delicious dish that is sure to impress your friends and family.

Preparation Techniques

Cleaning and Boiling Pork Skin

To make Chinese pork jelly, you need to start by cleaning and boiling the pork skin. First, rinse the pork skin with cold water and use a sharp knife to scrape off any remaining fat or impurities. Then, cut the pork skin into small pieces and place them in a pot of boiling water. Add a tablespoon of oil and a quarter cup of cooking wine to the pot and let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the pork skin becomes soft and tender.

Creating the Jelly Base

Once the pork skin is cooked, remove it from the pot and drain the excess water. In a separate pot, bring two cups of water to a boil and add a tablespoon of Shaoxing wine, two tablespoons of light soy sauce, one tablespoon of dark soy sauce, and two pieces of rock sugar. Stir the mixture until the rock sugar dissolves completely. Then, add the cooked pork skin to the pot and let it simmer for another 30 minutes until the liquid is reduced by half.

Seasoning and Moulding

After the pork skin mixture has cooled down, add your desired spices and seasonings. You can use Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger, or scallions to add flavour to the jelly. Mix the ingredients well and pour the mixture into a mould. You can use a rectangular or circular mould depending on your preference. Let the mixture cool down to room temperature and then refrigerate it for at least three hours until it solidifies into a jelly-like texture.

Making Chinese pork jelly requires some patience and attention to detail, but the end result is definitely worth it. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a delicious and unique dish that will impress your guests.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

As a Cold Dish

Chinese pork jelly is traditionally served cold as a refreshing appetizer during hot summer days. To prepare it, cut the jelly into bite-sized pieces and serve it on a plate with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil. You can also add some sliced cucumber and carrot on the side for a crunchy texture that complements the jelly's smoothness.

Accompaniments

Chinese pork jelly can also be served as a side dish or paired with other dishes. For example, you can serve it with soup dumplings to add some texture and flavour to the dish. Alternatively, you can use it as a topping for a salad with spicy dressing to add some protein and flavour.

When pairing Chinese pork jelly, you should consider its mild and subtle taste. It pairs well with dishes that have a stronger flavour, such as spicy or sour dishes. For example, you can serve it with a spicy stir-fry or a sour soup.

Here are some ideas for accompaniments to serve with Chinese pork jelly:

• Steamed bok choy: The mild flavour of bok choy complements the jelly's subtle taste. Plus, the green colour adds some visual appeal to the dish.
• Five-spice roasted sweet potato: The sweetness of the potato contrasts with the savoury flavour of the jelly, creating a balanced taste.
• Spicy cucumber salad: The coolness of the cucumber and the heat of the chili complement each other, creating a refreshing and flavourful dish.
• Steamed rice: The neutral flavour of the rice allows the jelly's taste to shine, while the texture of the rice adds some variety to the dish.

Chinese pork jelly is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Whether you serve it as a cold dish or pair it with other dishes, it's sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Variations and Modern Twists

Chinese pork jelly is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. However, in recent years, chefs and home cooks alike have been experimenting with new flavours and ingredients to create modern twists on this traditional dish. Here are some variations and contemporary twists that you can try at home.

Vegetarian Alternatives

If you're a vegetarian or simply looking to reduce your meat intake, you can make a vegetarian version of pork jelly using agar-agar instead of gelatin. Agar-agar is a plant-based alternative to gelatin that is derived from seaweed. It has a similar texture and can be used in the same way as gelatin to set the jelly.

To make vegetarian pork jelly, simply replace the pork with vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. You can also add some sesame oil, green onion, and coriander for extra flavour.

Contemporary Flavours

If you're looking to add some contemporary flavours to your pork jelly, there are plenty of options to choose from. For example, you can add some white pepper or mustard to give the jelly a spicy kick. Alternatively, you can add some crystal pork jelly to give it a sweet and savoury flavour.

Another way to add some contemporary flavours to your pork jelly is to experiment with different herbs and spices. For example, you can add some fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil to give it a Mediterranean twist. Or you can add some lemongrass, ginger, and chilli for a Thai-inspired flavour.

To conclude, there are many variations and modern twists that you can try with Chinese pork jelly. Whether you're a vegetarian or a meat-eater, there's a version of this classic dish that will suit your tastes. So why not experiment with some new flavours and ingredients and see what you can come up with?

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prepare Teochew pork trotter jelly at home?

Preparing Teochew pork trotter jelly at home can be a bit challenging, but it's definitely worth it. To make it, you will need pork trotters, pork skin, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. The process involves cooking the pork trotters and skin until they are tender, then adding the ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. The mixture is then strained and allowed to cool until it solidifies. You can find a detailed recipe here.

What ingredients are needed to make pork skin jelly?

To make pork skin jelly, you will need pork skin, pork bones, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and some spices like star anise and cinnamon. The pork skin is boiled until it is soft, and then mixed with the other ingredients. The mixture is then strained and allowed to cool until it solidifies. You can find a detailed recipe here.

Could you suggest where to purchase ready-made pork jelly?

Ready-made pork jelly can be found in many Asian grocery stores or online. You can also find it in some Chinese restaurants. However, it's always best to make your own pork jelly at home as you can control the ingredients and ensure that it's fresh and healthy.

What are the nutritional values of pork jelly?

Pork jelly is a rich source of protein, collagen, and other nutrients. However, it's also high in fat and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation. The exact nutritional values of pork jelly can vary depending on the recipe and ingredients used.

How do you create gelatin from scratch using pork?

To create gelatin from scratch using pork, you will need pork bones, water, and some vinegar. The pork bones are boiled in water with a small amount of vinegar for several hours until the bones break down and release gelatin. The mixture is then strained and allowed to cool until it solidifies. You can find a detailed recipe here.

What's the Italian method for making pork gelatin?

The Italian method for making pork gelatin is called "soppressata". It involves cooking pork meat and skin with garlic, salt, and other spices until it's tender. The mixture is then ground and stuffed into a casing, and then allowed to dry and cure for several weeks. The result is a delicious and flavourful cured meat that can be sliced and served as a snack or appetizer. You can find a detailed recipe here.