Zhou Yan served three servings of bright red Yu Xiang Shredded Pork to everyone.
This immediately attracted everyone's attention.
This was the last dish, the grand finale, and unexpectedly, Zhou Yan chose Yu Xiang Shredded Pork.
Yu Xiang Shredded Pork is a common home-style dish, comparable in quality to twice-cooked pork. It's a dish that almost every family in Sichuan and Chongqing knows how to make, but the taste varies from person to person, with each family having its own unique flavor.
So-called home-style dishes don't have a fixed recipe.
Every housewife has some creative ideas during the cooking process, such as adding an ingredient today or missing a seasoning tomorrow. As long as the dish is on the table, tastes good, and is good with rice, then the dish was not cooked in vain.
But today, Zhou Yan's Yu Xiang Shredded Pork is a little different. The green bamboo shoots are paired with black wood ear mushrooms and shredded pork wrapped in red oil. The bright red color creates a beautiful color combination on the white plate, giving people a bright feeling.
"We said we wanted you to teach us how to stir-fry twice-cooked pork later. I also think this Yu Xiang Shredded Pork is pretty good. Could you give us some pointers so we can learn a bit and make our home cooking taste better?" Wu Haiyan said with a smile.
The other aunties and sisters in law also smiled and echoed.
"Of course I'll teach you! After dinner, feel free to ask me anything." Zhou Yan nodded with a smile.
Zhou Weiguo moved aside a little and said, "Zhou Yan, sit here."
"Okay, Little Uncle." Zhou Yan replied with a smile, put the tray aside, picked up a bowl and chopsticks, and sat down next to Zhou Weiguo.
"We were in a rush today, so the dishes are a bit simple, nothing fancy. I hope everyone is okay with the food?" Zhou Yan said with a smile.
"You call this a simple meal?! More than ten dishes, each one packed with meat and other rich, meaty ingredients!"
"Exactly, there's no room left on the table."
"The taste is amazing! Every dish is delicious."
"Little Uncle, your cooking is a hundred times better than my mom's!"
"Fanwa! Watch your mouth! Your mom has her pride too..."
"Hahaha~~"
Everyone praised him, even the children's table was full of compliments.
It was clear everyone was very satisfied with the meal, the smiles on their faces didn't lie.
The atmosphere at the Old Zhou family gathering was wonderful. Everyone chatted happily, there was no competitive spirit, and no unpleasant topics were brought up.
Even the usual practice of pressuring others to get married is forbidden at the Old Zhou family's dining table.
This is a rule set by the old lady.
Only happy things can be discussed at the dining table, if there's nothing to say, keep quiet and don't make conversation.
If there's anything to discuss, it has to wait until after meal.
Zhou Yan sat down, there were still quite a few dishes on the table.
Ji Hongtao looked at Zhou Yan and said with a smile, "Comrade Little Zhou, your cooking skills are superb! They're no less than those of the master chefs at the Rongcheng big restaurants! This Mapo Tofu is even better than Chen Mapo Tofu from Rongcheng, I ate two bowls of rice with it."
"Dean Ji, you flatter me. I still have much to learn." Zhou Yan said modestly.
"Young man, you're too modest." Ji Hongtao shook his head, looking at the freshly served Yu Xiang Shredded Pork. "Look at this Yu Xiang Shredded Pork. There's a Rongcheng Restaurant right behind my house. Yu Xiang Shredded Pork and twice-cooked pork are their signature dishes. Every time I go back home, I take my wife and two kids there to eat."
"Look at your Yu Xiang Shredded Pork, it's so tender and distinct meat shreds with glossy red oil.
The term "tender and distinct meat shreds with glossy red oil" refers to the shredded meat and side dishes being separated and not sticking together. Some chefs stir-fry meat shreds that are all stuck together in clumps, indicating they've used too much cornstarch, resulting in a mushy, sticky texture.
The standard for glossy oil is a single line of oil, the width of the oil surrounding the Yu Xiang Shredded Pork should not exceed one line, making it moist but not greasy.
The side dishes are simple, just wood ear mushrooms and bamboo shoots.
The tangy and spicy aroma smells authentic, definitely the classic fish-fragrant flavor.
My father and Uncle Zhang, who works in the kitchen, are good friends. He's the one who told me about this standard.
In Rongcheng restaurants, there are probably no more than five chefs who can stir-fry Yu Xiang Shredded Pork to this standard. What are you being modest about?"
Ji Hongtao's words left everyone stunned.
The tangy and spicy aroma, carried on the steam, seemed to become even more enticing.
"You really know this dish." Zhou Yan said with a smile, finding Ji Hongtao's comment quite insightful.
Yu Xiang Shredded Pork is a common home-style dish, but when it appears on a restaurant menu, it becomes a bit more sophisticated.
The meat should be cut with a 3:7 ratio of fat to lean, using second cut pork. Most restaurants use lean pork tenderloin, but second cut pork is more tender and moist when stir-fried.
Cut the meat into second-thick shreds[1] and marinate it with salt and cornstarch in advance.
The classic ingredients for this dish are bamboo shoots and wood ear mushrooms. In winter, when bamboo shoots are unavailable, winter bamboo shoots are sometimes added, making some substitutions according to the season.
There are many differences between the north and south, and even between Sichuan and Chongqing.
In Chongqing (Shancheng), the Yu Xiang Shredded Pork is mostly served with only scallions, without any other vegetables, emphasizing its pure flavor.
Today he used bamboo shoots and wood ear mushrooms. This was the last batch of bamboo shoots, they were too old. Zhou Yan bought two jin of bamboo shoots, peeled and shredded them, and only scraped out enough for three plates of side dishes.
As the weather gets colder, he also needs to consider using winter bamboo shoots to make this dish.
A crucial point in selecting ingredients for Yu Xiang Shredded Pork is to avoid overpowering the fishy flavor, so only ingredients with a mild, natural taste are chosen.
The difficulty of this dish lies in the seasoning. The fish-fragrant starch sauce is made by mixing white sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, chopped green onions, cornstarch and water. The proportions are quite particular, and if you are not careful, it will be too sweet or too sour.
When Zhou Yan was making restaurant review videos, he noticed that chefs often made mistakes with dishes that were supposed to be fish-flavored, either making them either cloyingly sweet or sour enough to make your teeth hurt. There weren't many chefs who could really get the flavor right.
"Let me try it and see how it tastes." Ji Hongtao picked up his chopsticks, took a bite of Yu Xiang Shredded Pork, and savored it. His eyes quickly lit up, and after swallowing, he immediately exclaimed, "Slightly sweet, slightly sour, and slightly spicy, the aroma of ginger, scallions, and garlic is very prominent. The pickled Erjingtiao peppers are just right, it's the authentic fish-fragrant sauce! The shredded pork is moist and refreshing, with a delicate and smooth texture!"
"The shredded bamboo shoots are crisp and refreshing with a hint of fragrance, while the wood ear mushrooms are soft yet slightly crunchy—they go so well with the Yu Xiang Shredded Pork! The taste is absolutely fantastic!"
"This Yu Xiang Shredded Pork is irresistible! I'll have another bowl of rice!"
Ji Hongtao shoveled the last mouthful of rice from his bowl, then got up to serve himself more, as a sign of respect.
Upon hearing this, everyone began to eat.
"Salty, fragrant, sour, spicy, and with a hint of sweetness, this fish-fragrant sauce is absolutely delicious. If you made Yu Xiang Eggplant, it would definitely taste great too." Zhang Zhengping took a bite and nodded repeatedly. Looking at Zhou Yan, he smiled and said, "Your cooking is so delicious. Once your Grandaunt's leg is healed, I must bring her to Suji to stay for a month. We'll eat at your restaurant three times a day and spend all our retirement money here."
"You and Grandaunt are welcome to come and eat, there's no need to spend money." Zhou Yan said with a smile and a shake of his head.
"Then you're being inconsiderate! If you don't charge us, how can your Grandaunt and I have the nerve to come? I'd just eat one meal and leave." Zhang Zhengping shook his head. "When doing business, you have to treat me like a guest, make sure the food tastes good, and give me enough portions. Only then can you be considered filial."
Zhou Yan nodded: "Okay, Granduncle has the final say."
"That's just how principled the teacher is, he hasn't changed at all over the years." Ji Hongtao put down his bowl and smiled as he added another half bowl of rice to Zhang Zhengping's bowl.
He thoroughly enjoyed the meal. Although it was a family dinner, but everyone in the Old Zhou family was incredibly friendly and well-mannered.
There was no deliberate attempt to curry favor, nor any obvious ulterior motive.
He came empty-handed, but after enjoying such a delicious meal and drinking half a jin of good liquor, he felt a little embarrassed.
Besides, the Old Zhou family has produced two first-class merit recipients. Zhou Weiguo is only thirty three years old and already a deputy section chief. Who knows who is currying favor with whom?
"Minister Zhou, I'd like to toast you." Ji Hongtao said with a smile, raising his cup.
"Dean Ji, you're too welcome." Zhou Weiguo replied, lightly clinking his cup against Ji Hongtao's.
Zhou Yan, who doesn't drink alcohol, toasted all the elders at the table with tea instead, then put down his cup and began to eat in peace.
He first tasted the Yu Xiang Shredded Pork, which was salty, fragrant, sour, spicy, and sweet, with all five flavors in one. The sour and fragrant flavor came from the vinegar and the pickled Erjingtiao peppers, which were the finishing touch to the fish-fragrant taste.
The sweetness wasn't overpowering, but it left a slightly lingering aftertaste, enhancing the overall flavor.
The texture of the second cut pork was indeed more oily and refreshing, something that pure pork tenderloin couldn't match.
The taste even exceeded his expectations!
What makes perfect Yu Xiang Shredded Pork?
That's right!
That's exactly it!
Zhou Yan's advertising passion has begun to burn.
However, if this dish becomes a hit, the consumption of second cut pork will increase significantly.
Fortunately, Zhang Laosan has already helped him establish a pork supply chain in Jiazhou, so increasing the supply shouldn't be a problem.
Judging from the feedback on everyone's experience with Yu Xiang Shredded Pork, this dish is likely to be popular with guests.
"Little Aunt, here's the last piece of braised pork rib for you."
"Little Aunt, try this shredded pork. It's sour, spicy, and a little sweet, not too spicy at all."
"Little Aunt..."
The children at the next table took turns serving food to Zhou Momo, their respect tinged with a hint of doting.
Zhou Yan turned around, looking at the little one sitting upright in the main seat, waiting to be fed by her nephews, and couldn't help but smile.
It's good, she's being taken good care of.
With such a group of nephews, she wouldn't be bullied by any unruly children anywhere in Suji.
After finishing his third bowl of rice and his second cup of liquor, Ji Hongtao chatted with his mentor for a long time. Only after everyone was full did he, slightly tipsy, get up to take his leave.
Zhou Yan saw him to the door.
"I was on duty today, and after work I rushed off to eat empty-handed, without bringing anything. I'm really sorry." Ji Hongtao grabbed Zhou Yan's hand, his voice slightly tipsy, and said, "Little Zhou, you're my master's grand-nephew, so you're also my junior. If you ever need any help in the future, just come to the hospital and find me. If I can help, I definitely won't hesitate."
That's exactly what he was waiting for. Zhou Yan said with a smile. "Sure, do you need me to take you home, Uncle Ji? You seem a little tipsy."
"It's nothing serious, and the family compound isn't far away. Six liang of liquor is manageable. I'll get some fresh air and sober up before heading back, otherwise, I'll have to sleep in the study room." Ji Hongtao chuckled and patted Zhou Yan's arm. "You go back. Next time, I'll bring my wife and two kids over for meal."
"Okay, then take care on your journey." Zhou Yan nodded, watched Ji Hongtao leave, and only after confirming that he was walking along a relatively straight route and close to the wall did he turn around and go into the restaurant.
That's true, the vice president couldn't possibly only be able to drink six liang of liquor.
"Zhou Yan, you can start talking later, okay? Let us wash the dishes first."
"The Yu Xiang Shredded Pork is delicious! How did you make the fish-fragrant flavor so perfectly? Tell us about it later."
The aunties and sisters in law were clearing the table when they saw Zhou Yan come in and said with smiles.
"Okay, I'll write down the proportions for the sauce for you." Zhou Yan nodded with a smile, took out paper and pen from behind the counter, and wrote down seven or eight simple family-style menus in one go.
He simplified the process, making it even easier, but as long as they follow it strictly, the home-style flavor will definitely be excellent, and it will be presentable for everyday gatherings.
With so many people helping out, the dishes and utensils for the three tables were washed in no time.
The men weren't idle either, they swept the floor, wiped the tables, and tidied the restaurant spotless.
Even the children helped move stools and take out the trash.
Zhou Yan finished writing the recipe and went into the kitchen.
The Boss Zhou's Home-Style Cooking Class was about to begin.
"A very important point about twice-cooked pork is choosing the right meat. Don't use pork belly, use second cut pork instead. This will give the twice-cooked pork the best texture..."
"The Yu Xiang Shredded Pork also uses second cut pork, preferably leaner cuts, with a 3:7 fat to lean ratio. Cut the pork into second-thick shreds, like this size. The key to the fish-fragrant flavor is the pickled Erjingtiao peppers. The pickled peppers must have the right flavor, the sourness, aroma, and spiciness all come from here. The ratio of cornstarch to the sauce determines the flavor profile. I've already written the recipe and simple instructions above..."
The women listened intently.
The men stood at the kitchen doorway, craning their necks and straining their ears to listen attentively.
Many men from Sichuan and Chongqing are good cooks, especially when it comes to twice-cooked pork and Yu Xiang Shredded Pork, their competitive spirit immediately comes through.
Zhou Yan's explanations were very detailed and practical, covering topics such as how many minutes to boil the meat, its desired state, the thickness of the meat, and how to control the heat when stir-frying.
Anyone with basic cooking skills could easily understand the gist of it.
As for whether they can replicate it after they go back, and how similar it is, that depends on their individual abilities.
After listening, Zhou Jie said confidently, "I've learned it. Tomorrow I'll go buy a jin of second cut pork, half of which I'll stir-fry into twice-cooked pork, and the other half into Yu Xiang Shredded Pork!"
"If you can make it even half as good as Zhou Yan's, I'll pay for the meat." Zhou Ze said.
"Dad, you said it! Give me the money first." Zhou Jie laughed.
Zhou Ze shook his head: "There's no reason to pay first. You cook first, and I'll pay if it tastes right. If it's not, you pay yourself."
Everyone laughed upon hearing this.
It was still early, and there wasn't much entertainment at home, so everyone stayed in the restaurant, drinking tea and chatting, which helped them sober up.
"This building is much more comfortable than the mud houses in the countryside. It's airtight, and you don't have to worry about it being washed away by the rain."
"The lime plaster really does look cleaner than the mud walls, and the space is much larger. It's such a big living room. They can build a big sofa and then get a TV for the Chinese New Year. That would be perfect, and everyone can watch the Chinese New Year's Gala together."
"TVs are very expensive! I heard that a 14 inches black and white TV costs more than 400 yuan, and you can't even buy one."
"Black and white TVs are considered cheap. Last time I went to the department store, I saw imported Japanese TVs, 18 inches color TVs cost 1200 yuan each!"
Everyone had already visited the second floor at noon and was full of praise for their new home.
Initially, everyone was quite distressed that their house had collapsed and they had to move to town temporarily, but after today's visit, they were actually quite envious.
After playing all day, the children started to get sleepy, and everyone reluctantly got up to say goodbye.
"Zhou Yan, I'll come to your restaurant for a bowl of noodles tomorrow morning before I catch the bus. I want to see how your noodles taste." Zhang Zhengping said to Zhou Yan as he sat on the back of the bicycle.
"Okay, Granduncle, I'll save you a portion of noodles. You can come earlier or later, it's fine." Zhou Yan nodded with a smile.
The old lady looked at him with great satisfaction and said, "Today's arrangements were very good. You still know how to do it."
"It'll just be a simple meal. I'll make a more elaborate reunion dinner for everyone during the Chinese New Year." Zhou Yan said with a smile.
The old lady nodded, "Alright, then you'll be in charge of arranging this year's reunion dinner."
"No problem!" Zhou Yan nodded with a smile. As the only professional chef in the family, he naturally wouldn't back down.
"Grandma, Granduncle, uncles, aunts, little uncle, brothers, sisters in law, nephews, bye bye!" Zhou Momo stood at the door, waving to everyone.
At such a young age, she's already very thoughtful, calling everyone she knows.
"Bye bye, Momo." everyone said with smiles, then rode off on their bicycles.
A series of flashlights illuminated the road.
"Guo Guo, what is television? And what is the Chinese New Year's Gala?" Zhou Momo looked up at Zhou Yan and asked, her eyes full of curiosity.
"A TV is just a box this big. It has a screen, and when you turn it on, little people who can sing, dance, and act will appear inside." Zhou Yan explained to her with a smile, "The Chinese New Year's Eve Gala is a group of people on TV who perform singing, dancing, and skits for everyone on Chinese New Year's Eve."
The little one's eyes lit up when she heard this. Her mouth opened wide, and she looked at him expectantly: "Guo Guo, when can we buy a TV? I want to keep little people in a TV box too."
"Why buy a TV? It's too expensive, over four hundred yuan!" Aunt Zhao shook her head.
Comrade Old Zhou's mouth moved, but he held back.
The little one pouted, lowered her eyes, and said, "Okay."
"I'll buy it! I'll buy you one for the Chinese New Year." Zhou Yan said with a smile.
"Really?!" The little one's eyes lit up, and she jumped up excitedly.
"I'd be a dog if I lied to you." Zhou Yan nodded.
"Guo Guo, you're so good to me! I'll love you forever!" The little one rushed over and hugged him.
Zhou Yan smiled and patted her head.
The little one has never seen a TV before. Having one during the Chinese New Year would definitely make the house more lively.
Everyone would feel different eating their Chinese New Year's Eve dinner while watching the Spring Festival Gala.
Four hundred yuan a TV isn't cheap, but it's not too expensive for him. These days, the restaurant makes about three hundred yuan in net profit a day, which is about a day and a half's wages.
There are still two months until the Chinese New Year. If he saves enough money to buy a house, he will still have some savings by the end of the year. It would be no problem for him to buy Zhou Momo a TV to watch the Spring Festival Gala.
Money is something he earns to spend.
The feeling of taking out a loan to buy a car you like at twenty is completely different from buying it outright at thirty five.
It's like wanting to buy osmanthus flowers and enjoy fine wine like you did when you were young, only to find that your mindset and circumstances have changed, and you can no longer find that unrestrained, carefree joy and spirit you once had.
Some things, once you've bought them after a certain period, you won't feel the same way anymore.
Just like in his past life, he got his driver's license and had enough money in his account to buy an Audi, but he was always thinking about buying a house and retiring. Before this stroke of "luck", he had never even driven a used Alto.
He's dead, but not quite.
He can't spend the money he earned himself.
It's so painful.
"Really buying it?" Aunt Zhao asked, a hint of anticipation in her eyes.
"I'll buy it!" Zhou Yan nodded. "After buying it, I can watch the news every night and learn about national policies and news."
"You run a small restaurant, yet you still care about national policies. You're meddling in other people's business." Aunt Zhao said with a laugh.
Zhou Yan said in a serious tone: "I can't control others, but when you go out and chat, other people can only talk about which person in the village climbed over the widow's wall or who bought a 28-inch bicycle. But when you open your mouth, you can talk about the key points of the Southern Tour speech and the new trends in Shenzhen's development. At that time, everyone will look at you differently."
Comrade Old Zhou's eyes lit up: "We can still buy this TV. I'll pay half of it."
"Then let's buy it! Let's work hard and buy a TV for the Chinese New Year!" Aunt Zhao nodded with a smile.
After closing the restaurant door, Comrade Old Zhou took out the hot water from the pot and soaked their feet first.
Zhou Momo took a nap at noon today, so she's not sleepy at all. Sitting on a small stool, her little feet are pressing on Zhou Yan's insteps, and she's muttering, "Guo Guo, I'm massaging your feet~~"
"Thank you." Zhou Yan said with a smile, turning to look at Aunt Zhao. "Mom, after the Chinese New Year, I plan to send Momo to kindergarten."
"They said we have to wait until the second half of next year, because there aren't any available spots." Aunt Zhao replied.
"Let's ask around and see if we can send her to the factory-run kindergarten for the junior class. That way, it'll be more convenient for her to go to and from school." Zhou Yan said with a smile. "Don't worry about that, I'll arrange it."
"Okay." Aunt Zhao nodded and didn't ask any more questions.
After washing her feet, Aunt Zhao took Zhou Momo upstairs, while Comrade Old Zhou played three games of chess with Zhou Yan before going upstairs to sleep with a smug look on his face.
The loser, Zhou Yan, put away the chess pieces under the counter, took out a wooden sign, wrote "Yu Xiang Shredded Pork" on it, paused for a moment in the price column, and wrote "2 yuan per serving".
A serving of Yu Xiang Shredded Pork requires half a jin of second cut pork, and the total cost, including all ingredients, is about 70 cents, resulting in a profit margin of 65%.
It's priced the same as twice-cooked pork.
They use second cut pork, which is half a jin of meat. The Yu Xiang Shredded Pork also includes winter bamboo shoots and wood ear mushrooms. If the price is lower than that of twice-cooked pork, then he is just making a fool of himself.
There was no other way, Zhou Yan could only grit his teeth and try to earn more money.
This way, the preparation of ingredients became quite flexible.
If the Yu Xiang Shredded Pork didn't sell well, the leftover second cut pork can be used to make twice-cooked pork, which might sell well.
This morning he saw farmers selling winter bamboo shoots and had already inquired about the price: 50 cents a jin.
Compared to other vegetarian dishes, the price isn't cheap.
However, the amount of winter bamboo shoots in a serving of Yu Xiang Shredded Pork is small, so it's acceptable.
The main issue is that winter bamboo shoots are much harder to dig than other types of bamboo shoots.
Completely buried in the soil, and small in size.
At fifty cents a jin, Zhou Yan found the price quite acceptable.
He had actually dug for these things before, and he dug one up without saying a word, speechless.
The wooden sign hung on the wall. After taking a shower, Zhou Yan went upstairs early and pulled out the account book from under his pillow.
The restaurant is now fully operational, with a stable turnover of around 600 yuan. After deducting labor costs, the profit is around 350 yuan, which is quite considerable.
The deposit figure has reached 6418.24, showing a similarly rapid growth rate.
At this rate, in another two weeks he'll be able to save up 10,000 yuan and take over the Qiu family's old house from Duan Yuyan.
It's great, life is full of hope and goals.
Zhou Yan tucked the account book back under his pillow, glanced at the painting standing on the box by his bedside, smiled, pulled the rope, and fell asleep the moment his head hit the pillow.
…
The Zhou family's old residence.
"Zhou Yan is a skilled and intelligent young man. He'll definitely be developing his career in a big city someday. May be he'll even open a restaurant in Rongcheng and make it a big success." Zhang Zhengping said to the old lady soaking her feet beside him.
The old lady smiled and said, "It depends on his personal development and wishes. It's a good thing for young people to be energetic and ambitious, unlike me who has been selling braised food for half my life and has never left Suji. If he has the idea to do it, I will definitely support him."
Zhang Zhengping shook his head: "Third Sister, although you have never left Suji, but Zhang Ji Braised Food has a reputation that has spread throughout Jiazhou. At its peak, even Niu Hua had people buying braised meat from you to sell. Zhou Yan is so quick-witted, he will definitely be able to sell the braised food further and make it even more famous."
"He's not even here, so stop praising him..."
"I'm just stating my opinion, without a trace of exaggeration!"
...
[1] "Second-thick shreds" is a specific cutting technique used in Sichuan cuisine, particularly for classic dishes like Yu Xiang Shredded Pork. According to the "Standards for Sichuan Cuisine Cooking Techniques," the standard size for second-thick shreds is typically 10 cm long, 0.3 cm wide, and 0.3 cm high—a strip between thick and thin shreds. This size ensures that the ingredients cook quickly while maintaining a crisp and tender texture.