Shanglin Steamed Pork with Rice Flour

Shanglin Steamed Pork with Rice Flour

　　Steamed pork with rice flour (also known as “floury pork”) is a classic Chinese dish traditionally served to guests. The dish is soft, fragrant, tender, juicy, sweet, savory, and rich in flavor, with a mild taste. It is made from skin-on pork belly, rice, and various seasonings. The “steamed pork with rice flour” features a mix of lean and fatty meat, with red and white hues, tender yet not mushy, and the rice flour is rich and glossy, with a strong five-spice aroma. When served, it is often layered over sliced lotus root at the bottom, giving it a pinkish hue, soft and aromatic texture, and an even more appealing presentation.

　　Historical Background

　　In the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, Emperor Chongzhen disguised himself and traveled south, arriving in Zhenghan. During an outing, he came to the famous Ling (Fenghou Ridge). As night fell and hunger set in, and with no inn nearby due to the darkness, he sought shelter at the humble cottage of a farmer surnamed Ding. The kind-hearted Ding couple, being very hospitable, took out their specially prepared New Year’s dish — braised pork in bowls — and after some preparation, served it to the emperor. Chongzhen was delighted with the meal. When the Ding couple told him it was their family’s traditional steamed pork with rice flour, he found himself even more enamored with the taste — sweet with a hint of saltiness, rich but not greasy, and incredibly satisfying. The next morning, as he prepared to leave at dawn, Chongzhen said to the Ding chef, “This steamed pork is marvelous; not visiting Fenghou Ridge while in Zhenghan City is one great regret, and not tasting the Ding family’s steamed pork is another!” He then revealed his identity to them, appointed the Ding chef as his imperial chef, and took him to the palace. Since then, the Ding family’s steamed pork has been passed down to this day. Even now, when you visit Xinzheng, you can still hear this legendary tale.

　　Source: Shanglin Tourism Website