Linchuan Dog Meat

Linchuan Dog Meat

　　　　Dog meat, also known as "earth sheep," is a traditional and enduring delicacy in Guilin. Among dog meats, yellow dogs are considered the best, white dogs come second, and black dogs are the least preferred. There are many ways to prepare it: it can be stewed until tender, braised, served cold in summer, or cooked in a hot pot in winter. There is also cured dog meat, available in spring and summer, which is tender yet flavorful and makes a great accompaniment to alcohol. Dog meat is believed to have warming and nourishing properties, as well as benefits for yin. The cooking of dog meat is especially famous in Lingchuan County in northern Guangxi.

　　How to Enjoy Lingchuan Dog Meat:

　　There is an art to eating dog meat. To truly enjoy authentic dog meat, you must follow the proper way of eating it—otherwise, even the most authentic dish can be ruined. For example, some people, as soon as the dog meat is served, turn the gas flame up very high, causing the meat in the pot to burn quickly, sometimes even producing a bitter, charred smell. Diners then hurriedly pour in boiling water, stirring the meat around, which ends up removing all the flavor, leaving only a burnt, tasteless, and watery residue that becomes nauseating. Eating dog meat isn’t about picking the lean or fatty parts—it’s mainly about savoring the original flavor. During the meal, use a small iron pot and a small spatula over a low gas flame, stirring the meat as you eat. Sprinkle a little pepper, and watch the meat jiggle in the pot. Once oil begins to appear in the pot, scoop the meat out and serve it in a bowl. Be sure not to let the meat burn or fry too much, and definitely do not add water, tofu, or pickled vegetables into the pot at this stage—just pause the heat instead. Don’t rush to add the tofu or pickled vegetables. When about three-quarters of the dog meat has been eaten, push the remaining meat to one side of the pot, then add the tofu and pickled vegetables. Mix in the scooped-out oil. The pickled vegetables should be pre-fried until dry and mixed with a little salt, and the water should be drained from the tofu before adding it to the pot. Once everything is heated through, add two or three small pieces of fermented tofu—the taste will be excellent, and the greasiness of the dog meat will be neutralized. Then, when you go back to eat the remaining dog meat, it will be even more enjoyable. Finally, add Guilin rice noodles and mix everything together. The combination creates a rich, integrated flavor that will leave you wanting more.