Sauerkraut Stewed with Starch Noodles is a highly popular dish in the Northeastern region of China. Its history can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty when fresh vegetables were difficult to obtain due to limited transportation. To overcome this challenge, people utilized the abundant local resources and invented sauerkraut, a convenient ingredient that could be easily preserved and transported. Over time, sauerkraut gradually became a prominent specialty food in the Northeastern region, and Sauerkraut Stewed with Starch Noodles became a representative dish of the area. This dish is beloved for its unique sour and fragrant flavor as well as its rich texture. The lactobacillus bacteria present in sauerkraut aid digestion and help lower cholesterol levels, while starch noodles provide a rich source of carbohydrates, offering necessary energy and calories to the body. Additionally, this dish is believed to have nourishing properties such as nourishing Yin, benefiting the lungs, and invigorating the spleen, providing certain health benefits.
Ingredients for Sauerkraut Stewed with Starch Noodles：
| Sauerkraut | 200g |
| Starch noodles | 100g |
| Pork | 50g |
| Green onion | 5g |
| Ginger | 3g |
| Lard | 5g |
| Garlic | 5g |
| Light soy sauce | 3g |
| Salt | 2g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Dark soy sauce | 2g |
| Thirteen-spices | 3g |
| Sesame oil | 3g |
Step:
1、First, let’s prepare the ingredients. Choosing the right sauerkraut is crucial in making this dish delicious, and opting for golden-colored sauerkraut will be more satisfying. Sauerkraut is a fermented vegetable product often used in dishes to add a tangy taste and unique flavor. When selecting sauerkraut, try to choose the ones with a golden hue. Such sauerkraut is usually carefully processed and has better texture and flavor. The golden color of sauerkraut indicates that it has been properly controlled and handled during the fermentation process. This kind of sauerkraut is more likely to retain its original saltiness, acidity, and crisp texture, while also providing rich nutritional value and a distinctive aroma. Therefore, when preparing this dish, be sure to choose golden-colored, crispy sauerkraut as the main ingredient. Only then can you ensure a dish with diverse textures, delicious taste, and delightful aroma.
2、Rinse the sauerkraut thoroughly with clean water to remove excess salt and impurities. Then gently squeeze out the water, leaving the sauerkraut slightly moist, and set it aside. Next, prepare a bundle of starch noodles and soak them in clean water until they become soft and tender. You can test the softness by pinching a strand of noodles; if it breaks easily without feeling any hardness, it means they are properly soaked. Remove the softened starch noodles from the water, drain them, and set them aside. Meanwhile, prepare some scallions, ginger, and garlic, and chop them into small pieces or thin strips to enhance the flavor and aroma. Keep the chopped scallions, ginger, and garlic aside. Additionally, slice the pork into thin shreds, wash them to remove blood and impurities, and place them in a bowl for later use. Now that the ingredients are prepared, we can begin cooking.
3、Add a small amount of cooking oil and lard into the pan to enhance the aroma and texture of the dish. The cooking oil helps lubricate the pan and prevent ingredients from sticking, while the pork fat adds rich flavor and texture to the dish. Next, stir-fry the sliced pork until it changes color. Cooking the pork thoroughly will contribute to a tender and smooth texture in the dish. Then, add the chopped scallions and ginger to the pan and stir-fry them to release their fragrant aroma, adding extra flavor and aroma to the dish. After that, add the prepared sauerkraut and continue stirring it in the pan. Stir-frying at high heat helps remove any unpleasant odor and excess moisture from the sauerkraut while maintaining its crispness. Along the edge of the pan, pour in a small amount of light soy sauce and mix well. Light soy sauce enhances the umami taste and adds color to the dish, improving the overall flavor. Then, add enough water to submerge the sauerkraut and start seasoning. Add salt, sugar, and thirteen-spice seasoning to elevate the taste and richness of the dish. Finally, add a small amount of dark soy sauce to enhance the color and appearance of the dish. Stir-fry everything together and bring it to a boil for about a minute to ensure that the flavors are fully absorbed by the ingredients. Then, add the soaked starch noodles and continue stir-frying. As the noodles soften, they will absorb most of the broth, adding variety and texture to the dish. However, be sure not to let all the broth be absorbed, leaving some to keep the dish moist. Lastly, stir-fry quickly over high heat to give the dish a bright appearance, ensuring that all the ingredients are fully combined and evenly heated.
4、After stir-frying the sauerkraut, starch noodles, and other ingredients thoroughly, add the previously prepared minced garlic. The addition of garlic will add a rich aroma to the dish. Then, drizzle a little sesame oil, which provides a unique fragrance and gives the dish a shiny appearance. Continue stirring until the minced garlic and sesame oil are fully incorporated into the dish, making it more visually appealing. Finally, transfer the dish onto a plate, using a beautiful platter or bowl for presentation, enhancing the visual enjoyment of the dish. Now, the delicious Sauerkraut Stir-Fried with Starch Noodles is ready. Serve it at the table and enjoy it with your family or friends!
Tips:
1.It is essential to rinse the sauerkraut thoroughly to remove any unpleasant odors.
2.When stir-frying, start by cooking the sauerkraut until the moisture evaporates, and then add the starch noodles. This ensures that the noodles don’t stick to the pan and are evenly heated.
Sauerkraut Stewed with Starch Noodles is a dish with distinctive Northeastern Chinese flavors. It offers a rich texture and intense taste that leaves a lasting impression. The main ingredients of this dish are sauerkraut, starch noodles, and pork, cooked with great care. The combination of tangy sauerkraut, chewy starch noodles, and flavorful pork creates an irresistible dish that whets the appetite. Besides its delightful taste, this dish also provides abundant nutritional value. Sauerkraut contains probiotics that aid digestion and help reduce cholesterol levels. Pork is rich in protein and fat, providing the body with sufficient energy and nutrients. Starch noodles, on the other hand, are high in carbohydrates, supplying the body with necessary energy and calories.