17
CHINESE NEW YEAR
Rou Gan Bak Kwa Serves 20
Rou Gan (肉干) the popular salty-
Ingredients
sweet dried meat jerky is made using
1kg minced pork
the ancient method of dry-preserving seasoned meat on racks at 55°C. It originated from the Fujian province and known as Bak Kwa by Hokkiens, it is
Marinade 1 tbsp sesame oil 1/2 tbsp 5-spice powder 1/2 tsp light soy sauce
a New Year delicacy. Modern day Rou
1/2 tsp dark soy sauce
Gan or Bak Kwa is made by seasoning
2 tbsp Chinese wine
minced pork (mutton, chicken, duck,
1 tbsp caster sugar
crocodile, lobster, beef and vegetarian
1 tbsp maltose syrup
versions have been introduced). Instead of curing on racks, the meat is baked and then grilled over charcoal.
1/2 tsp oyster sauce 1/2 tsp hoisin sauce 1/8 tsp red food colouring (Cherry Red) Pinch of white pepper and salt
The contemporary jerky version is smokier and certain Singapore and
Method
Malaysia versions of rou gan have been
1
Combine minced pork and seasonings and mix until the consistency is like glue. Cling wrap and refrigerate for several hours.
2
Place parchment paper on a flat surface and using a spatula, spread the meat mixture onto the paper, making patties 5mm thick and 15cm by 15cm.
3
Brush a wire mesh with vegetable oil, align the wire mesh over the meat mixture, invert it to transfer the meat onto the mesh; carefully peel away the parchment paper.
4
Bake the patties in preheated oven of 100°C for 20 minutes to dry the meat.
5
Increase the oven heat to 180°C and bake for a further 12 minutes.
6
Remove and cool.
7
To serve, grill the patties until the edges start to char.
adapted to suit local tastes with the addition of chilli spice.
Tea Pairing Despite the fact that pork is a white meat, it tends to have a lot of fat. The preparation includes sugar and seasonings. Additional maillard reaction flavours are imparted by the grilling of the meat. This savoury-sweet, oily and chewy snack demands a tea that can cut through the oil and richness, but is not overcome by the complex flavours. t-Series The Original Earl Grey Tea The Original Earl Grey is a superb pairing where the tea’s fragrant bergamot aromas enhance that of the Rou Gan/Bak Kwa. The tea’s texture and flavour also cope well with chilli versions of the jerky.
t-Series Brilliant Breakfast Tea Brewed strong, Brilliant Breakfast, is another accompanying tea. The astringency of the strong brew balances the fatty meat whilst enabling the Bak Kwa textures and flavours to shine through.
