Northern Chinese Recipes

NORTHERN CHINESE SOUR CABBAGE STEW WITH GLASS NOODLES

Steps:

• Start by prepping the pork. In a medium thick-bottomed pot, add the water, whole pork belly (or ribs), Shaoxing wine, ginger, scallions, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and salt. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium/low, and simmer for 15 minutes.
• If using pork belly, remove it from the pot to let it cool, and save the stock. If substituting pork ribs, don't remove them from the stock. Just turn off the heat and let them continue "cooking" in the hot broth while you prepare the rest of the dish.
• Make the dipping sauce by combining the minced garlic, light soy sauce, sugar, and chili oil (if using) in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Slice the sour cabbage about ¼" (0.6 cm) thick, transfer to a large metal bowl, and fill with fresh water. Agitate the vegetables in the water with your hands a bit, drain, and thoroughly squeeze out any remaining water from the cabbage. This quick rinse will soften the saltiness and sourness of the cabbage. Set aside.
• Once the pork belly is warm to the touch (not hot), slice it into 1/4" (0.6 cm) slices. Set aside.
• In a thick-bottomed, relatively shallow pot (a clay pot, stone pot, or cast iron dutch oven is ideal for retaining heat while eating), heat the vegetable oil, and add the ginger, julienned scallion whites, and the sour cabbage. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until any liquid has evaporated.
• Strain the liquid used to boil the pork into the pot. Stir in the oyster sauce and chicken stock (optional if you like a more broth-like consistency), and then add the sliced pork belly (or ribs). Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes over medium low heat.
• Add the glass noodles, stir, and cover again. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, or according to the package instructions.
• Finally, stir in the white pepper and salt to taste. Top with the chopped green parts of the scallions, and serve immediately with the dipping sauce for the pork and the steamed rice.

FOREVERMAMA'S AUTHENTIC POT STICKERS (NORTHERN CHINESE)

Steps:

• Combine the pork (or chicken), cabbage, rice wine, soy sauce, salt, pepper, scallions, sesame oil, sugar and stock. Mix well and set aside.
• Once you remove wrappers from its packaging, keep them covered with a damp dish towel (this will prevent them from drying out -- they need to remain moist for a successful result).
• Place 4 wrappers at a time on a work surface. Place about 1 teaspoons of filling in the center of each wrapper and fold in half. Moisten the edges with water and pinch together with your fingers, making sure there are no open gaps. Pleat around edges, pinching to seal well.
• Transfer the dumplings to a floured sheet pan and keep covered with a damp towel until you have finished stuffing all the dumplings.
• Heat a large skillet over high heat until it is hot. Add the peanut oil (you may need to use more than 1 T) and place the dumplings, flat side down in the pan. Turn down the heat and cook about 2 minutes or until they are lightly browned (you do not need to turn these over). (You may need 2 skillets). Add the 2/3 cup of water; cover the pan tightly and cook for 10-15 minutes over low heat until most of the liquid has been absorbed. Uncover the pan and continue cooking another 2 minutes. Remove the dumplings to a serving platter and serve with the Dipping Sauce.
• Dipping Sauce:.
• Mix all ingredients together. Taste for seasoning and correct if necessary. (The amounts given are approximate, as I normally eye-ball it).
• NOTE: Though the authentic recipe uses pork, I have used chicken breast as well which I ran through the food processor.
• The serving size of 4-5 is approximate because it all depends if you serve this as an appetizer versus a main meal.