Ebian Tuotuo Meat

Ebian Tuotuo Meat

　　Ebian Tuotuo Meat is a specialty dish from Ebian County, Leshan City, Sichuan Province. The Yi people love to eat “Tuotuo Meat,” which involves cutting fresh meat into fist-sized pieces, boiling them, and then serving them in a basket called “Wa Yi” or “Mei Shi.” A knife is placed inside the basket for diners to slice off portions as they eat.

　　In the Yi language, Tuotuo Meat is called “Wu Se Se Jiao,” meaning pork chunks. Each piece of meat typically weighs around two to three taels, forming a lump-like shape, hence the name. It is a primary method of cooking meat among the Yi people. Pork, as well as lamb or beef, is cut up, boiled in cold water without any seasonings — including salt. Once cooked, the meat is taken out and then sprinkled with garlic water, salt, Sichuan peppercorns, and other seasonings before eating. When consuming, it should be eaten with both hands. Its flavor is exceptionally delicious because it is not stewed for too long; instead, it depends on getting the “cooking timing” just right. When the timing is perfect, the meat is done. If undercooked, it remains raw; if overcooked even slightly, it becomes tough — which is why most people are not skilled at making it. Moreover, it must be eaten while hot, so it's generally not easy to prepare this dish. To have the chance to taste Tuotuo Meat, one must either coincide with Yi festive occasions such as the Torch Festival or special events, or else order it at a hotel or restaurant.