Among the many delicious dishes in China, there is one particular dish that is beloved for its unique texture and rich nutritional value. It is called “Beijing Stir-fried Liver.” This dish originated in Beijing and is a common choice for breakfast among the locals. It is also an important part of Beijing’s culinary culture, making it quite representative.
“Stir-fried Liver Slices” originated from a dish called “White water chop suey ” served at “Huixianju,” a restaurant located outside Qianmen Gate during the late Qing Dynasty. “White water chop suey” consisted of diced pork intestines, liver, heart, and lungs cooked in a simple broth without much seasoning. As it lacked flavor and popularity over time, the restaurant owner removed the heart and lungs, renamed it “Stir-fried Liver Slices,” and it quickly gained fame as a distinctive Beijing-style snack.
To prepare “Stir-fried Liver Slices,” hot oil is infused with star anise and fried until fragrant. Minced garlic is then added until golden, followed by a suitable amount of yellow bean sauce. This mixture is set aside in a jar. Additionally, a good-quality mushroom broth is prepared. Once all the ingredients are ready, the cooking process begins. Cooked sausage slices are added to boiling broth, along with the garlic sauce, chopped spring onions, cornstarch slurry, ginger powder, and mushroom broth. Raw liver slices are then placed in the pot, thickened with cornstarch, and finally topped with mashed garlic before serving.
Interestingly, despite its name, “Stir-fried Liver Slices” is not stir-fried but rather boiled. In addition to liver, it also includes fatty intestines, which are usually more abundant than the liver. The addition of cornstarch creates a thick, textured consistency that requires continuous stirring, giving it a somewhat “stir-fried” feel.
Nutritional value:
Pork liver is rich in iron and phosphorus, making it an essential ingredient for blood production. It is also high in protein, lecithin, and trace minerals, which benefit children‘s intellectual and physical development. The abundance of vitamin A in pork liver can gradually alleviate eye-related conditions. Modern medical research has discovered that pork liver contains various anticancer substances, such as vitamin C and selenium. Moreover, the liver possesses strong anti-cancer properties and special substances that combat fatigue.
The liver serves as both a nutrient reservoir and a detoxification organ. It continually performs its detoxification function, metabolizing toxic substances and eliminating them through bile secretion. Therefore, a healthy liver itself is non-toxic and safe for consumption.
3 Best Fried liver restaurants:
1. Yao Ji:
“To taste the stir-fried liver, take a turn at the Drum Tower.” In the Drum Tower area of Beijing, there is a decades-old renowned restaurant called Yaoji Chao Gan. This establishment has attracted numerous food enthusiasts with its unique flavor of stir-fried liver and rich historical heritage. It has become one of the popular landmarks for visitors seeking memorable culinary experiences in the Drum Tower vicinity.
Yaoji Chao Gan’s stir-fried liver has a shiny reddish sauce, with flavorful and fatty liver and sausage. It is rich in taste without being greasy, offering a smooth and tender texture. Every mouthful brings out the deliciousness and savory aroma of the stir-fried liver, leaving a lasting impression. The thickened sauce, enhanced by the presence of animal liver, adds a unique flavor to the dish.
2. Yuan Zhao Ji:
Yuan Zhaoji is an old restaurant that used to be called Zhaoji. Due to the proliferation of counterfeit businesses using the name “Zhaoji,” they had no choice but to rename themselves as “Yuan Zhaoji.” The focus now lies on the brand itself.
The stir-fried liver and pork with scallion dumplings at Yuan Zhaoji are highly recommended for their excellent taste, texture, and reasonable prices. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere that adds to the dining experience. In addition to these dishes, they also offer millet porridge, cucumber strips, vegetarian dumplings, egg burgers, and mixed vegetable dumplings. It is best to enjoy them while they’re hot as they are not overly greasy.
3. Tian Xing Ju:
In the bustling city, there is a flavor that carries the weight of history, preserving the traditional taste of old Beijing. That is Tianxingju stir-fried liver, a bowl of which costs only 16 yuan but allows you to savor the unique charm of old Beijing.