The infamous "dark cuisine" of university canteens has been notorious for a long time, and a new dish has recently made headlines: stir-fried pork with apple. Following its "chilled spicy hotpot," the East Garden Canteen of Southwest University of Political Science and Law has now launched "stir-fried pork with apple." Though it sounds bizarre, the dish is reportedly very popular among students, selling out in just half an hour.
Fruits are a common part of our daily diet, but they are not typically used as ingredients in home cooking. In reality, cooking with fruit is not only not strange but is also very beneficial for your health. Here are a few delicious and easy-to-learn fruit-based dishes that we carefully recommend:
Osmanthus Snow Pear and Prawn Balls
The light snow pear is briefly marinated in spices and red wine, elevating its delicate sweetness into something more rich and elegant. This is paired with prawns that are deep-fried to intensify their flavor. Both ingredients start with a subtle taste and then are transformed by bold cooking methods, giving them a vibrant exterior. When chewed slowly, their long-lasting aftertaste is revealed. Pairing this with Chenin Blanc, which also has a rich pear aroma, is a perfect match. The wine's balanced acidity cuts through the grease of the fried prawns while simultaneously amplifying their natural umami.
Pineapple Coral Fish
Grouper is scored into a lattice pattern and then marinated in pineapple juice. This scoring allows the fish to absorb the maximum amount of flavor. When deep-fried, the fish is infused with a rich pineapple aroma. Moreover, the natural enzymes in the pineapple not only make the fish surprisingly tender but also help to lock in all its juices.
Dragon Fruit and Scallop Strips
Dragon fruit and scallops are quickly stir-fried in a hot wok; no complex seasonings are needed. Interestingly, despite being served piping hot, the dish feels as if it has been barely cooked. The dragon fruit remains wonderfully crisp, and the scallops' fresh sweetness is beyond description.
Strawberry Pork Knuckle
The pork knuckle is first braised, then air-dried, and finally deep-fried until crispy. It is then slowly simmered in a sauce made from fresh strawberries until fully infused with flavor. The process is incredibly intricate, requiring meticulous attention to detail. The resulting taste is more than just "crispy on the outside, tender on the inside." Beneath the crisp texture lies melt-in-your-mouth meat, all set against a backdrop of intense strawberry aroma, making you feel a sense of pride in having created such a dish.
Mango and Snowflake Beef Stir-fry
Ordinary strips of beef are quickly stir-fried over high heat, then tossed with fresh mango dice to become something extraordinary. Since the mango is not cooked, its aroma slowly infuses the beef in its residual heat, adding a rich and luscious fragrance to the meat.