Innovative Shandong cuisine: Tieguanyin tea-flavored pork

The cooking process of Tieguanyin tea-flavored pork. [Video by Wang Bo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Tieguanyin tea-flavored pork is an innovation of classic Shandong cuisine. The selection of ingredients for this dish is time-consuming and often a test of the chef's patience. 

Only fresh Tieguanyin tea can be used to prepare this dish. The belly of local pigs is uesd as the ideal ratio of lean meat and fat produces an exceptional texture. This dish requires approximately 2 hours to complete and involves steaming, simmering, deep-frying, and stir-frying.

Firstly, the pork belly is cut into cubes measuring about 2 centimeters on each side. The pork is then steamed in the pot for about an hour before it is simmered in a secret sauce and spices for about 40 minutes. Finally, the Tieguanyin tea leaves are deep-fried until crispy before they are mixed with the pork. (Edited by Huang Junyao)