Pingyao Youyurou (Quick-Fried Pork Slices)

Pingyao Youyurou

　　Youyurou is one of Shanxi's most famous traditional signature dishes and has now become a renowned snack in Pingyao. It has been carefully prepared and passed down through generations of chefs. In February 1957, after evaluation by experts organized by the city’s food company, the version made by master chef Wu Wanku was rated as one of the Top Ten Dishes of Taiyuan. Later, renowned chefs such as Zhang Dianhua, 1, and Fang Mingsuo participated in citywide, provincial, and national cooking competitions, where they won gold awards and brought honor to the people of Taiyuan. Since the advent of the market economy, nearly every restaurant or eatery serving Shanxi cuisine has included Youyurou on its menu. However, possibly for certain reasons, some restaurants have altered the dish extensively, transforming it beyond recognition and creating various derivative versions such as Chinese cabbage Youyurou, chili pepper Youyurou, spicy Youyurou, and more. To cater to diners’ preferences, ingredients like onions, garlic sprouts, dried red chilies, and soybean sprouts are often added. Over time, the original traditional Youyurou has become increasingly rare. In fact, Youyurou should highlight its rich Shanxi local characteristics through careful selection of ingredients, complementary vegetables, and refined cooking techniques.