stir-fried bacon with artemisia quinoa

How to Stir-Fried Artemisia argyi with Preserved Pork

Artemisia argyi (藜蒿), a wild vegetable with a unique fragrance, pairs perfectly with savory preserved pork (腊肉) to create a classic Chinese dish. Here’s a simple guide to making it:

Ingredients: 300g fresh artemisia argyi (tender stems preferred), 150g preserved pork (soaked and sliced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 red chili (sliced, optional), 1 tbsp cooking oil, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp sugar, and a pinch of salt.

Steps:

1. Prep the Ingredients: Rinse artemisia argyi and cut into 3-4 cm sections. Soak preserved pork in warm water for 10 minutes to reduce saltiness, then slice thinly. Mince garlic and slice chili.

2. Stir-Fry the Pork: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add pork slices and stir-fry until crispy and golden. Remove and set aside.

3. Cook the Artemisia: In the same wok, sauté garlic and chili until fragrant. Toss in artemisia argyi and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until it wilts slightly.

4. Combine and Season: Return the pork to the wok. Add soy sauce, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds, ensuring everything is well-coated.

Tip: Overcooking artemisia argyi may diminish its crispness, so stir-fry quickly. Serve hot with steamed rice for a delightful balance of flavors—earthy, smoky, and subtly spicy. This dish embodies the essence of countryside cuisine, simple yet utterly satisfying.