When it comes to the most popular dishes nowadays, boiled fish and grilled chicken wings have to step aside; this award undoubtedly goes to Malatang Xiangguo (Spicy Numbing Stir-fry Pot). "Last year, as the popularity of Sichuan cuisine continued to decline, Malatang Xiangguo emerged as a dark horse and became all the rage," said Jiang Bian, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Cuisine Association.
The main seasonings for Malatang Xiangguo are primarily dried chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and bay leaves. Although they are great at stimulating the appetite, most of them are considered to be 'hot' in nature. "It's best to pair it with fresh vegetables, which have a cooling, detoxifying, and 'heat-reducing' effect. Additionally, you can opt for more fungi and bean products to balance nutrition. Generally, a meat-to-vegetable ratio of 1:2 is more suitable to ensure a balance of acids and alkalis," suggests Professor Li Huiming from the Department of Nutrition at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. Celery, bamboo shoots, and white radish are top choices. Chinese cabbage and bok choy can also clear heat and detoxify, but large-leafy vegetables tend to 'absorb' too much oil, making them less suitable for Malatang Xiangguo.
Furthermore, eating more seaweed 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 organs to produce a umami sensation, which is better than the umami from MSG alone 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. From a nutritional standpoint, however, 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 elements, 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, making it a healthy, low-calorie food, especially suitable for the oily and heavily seasoned Malatang Xiangguo.
Additionally, when eating Malatang Xiangguo, you might as well ask for a small dish of vinegar to dip your food in. This not only makes the flavor more delicious but also helps to cut through the grease and richness.