When it comes to the most popular dishes nowadays, even boiled fish and grilled chicken wings have to step aside; the award for the undisputed champion goes to Malatang (numbing and spicy stir-fry pot). "Last year, as the popularity of Sichuan cuisine continued to decline, Malatang emerged unexpectedly and became a huge hit," said Jiang Bian, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese Cuisine Association.
The main seasonings for Malatang are dried chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and bay leaves. While they are excellent at stimulating the appetite, most of them are considered 'warm' or 'heaty' in nature. "It's best to pair it with fresh vegetables, which have a cooling, detoxifying, and heat-clearing effect. Additionally, you can choose more mushrooms and bean products to balance the nutrition. Generally, a ratio of 1 part meat to 2 parts vegetables is suitable to ensure a balance of acids and alkalis," suggests Professor Li Huiming from the Department of Nutrition at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. Celery, asparagus lettuce, and white radish are top choices. Cabbages can also clear heat and detoxify, but large-leafed vegetables tend to 'absorb' too much oil, making them less suitable for Malatang.
Furthermore, eating more kelp can help reduce fat accumulation. You can also choose 1-2 types of mushrooms, such as oyster mushrooms, straw mushrooms, or fresh shiitake mushrooms. These mushrooms contain various amino acids that can stimulate the taste buds to create a savory sensation, which is better than the umami of pure MSG and won't leave you thirsty.
When choosing meat dishes, the reporter noticed that most people opt for processed meat products like fish balls, ham sausages, and luncheon meat. However, from a nutritional standpoint, it's better to choose pure meat options like chicken wings or squid. Inferior fish balls and luncheon meat are basically made of starch, offering little nutrition and adding extra calories. Squid, on the other hand, is rich in calcium, phosphorus, and iron, which are highly beneficial for bone development and blood production. The large amount of taurine in squid can help relieve fatigue, restore vision, and improve liver function. It is a healthy, low-calorie food, especially suitable for the oily and heavily seasoned Malatang.
Additionally, when eating Malatang, you might as well order a small dish of vinegar to dip your food in. This not only makes the taste even more delicious but also helps to cut through the grease and richness.