Guo Lu Rice

Guo Lu Rice

　　Guo Lu Rice is a uniquely Guizhou-style, most common type of stir-fried fast food rice, available at any small eatery, snack shop, or restaurant on the streets and alleys. It’s cooked fresh upon order and is a favorite affordable dish among students, office workers, and travelers who don’t have time to go home for lunch or dinner.

　　In Liupanshui City, Guizhou Province, there is a restaurant named “Jin Guo Lu” that alone has six or seven branches. It’s said that at its busiest locations, the stir-frying pans—made of 2-millimeter-thick iron—are worn out and need replacing several times a month, which speaks volumes about its popularity. The name “Guo Lu” comes from the fact that this stir-fried rice includes a wide variety of seasonings, offering a mix of spicy, numbing, sour, and salty flavors. When served, the rice is vibrant with reds, yellows, whites, and greens, making it especially visually appealing. The vendor will also serve a small side dish of pickled sour radishes sprinkled with crushed chili flakes, along with a bowl of green vegetable soup, which really whets the appetite. It’s a satisfying meal that saves time and money—something you’re sure to enjoy.

　　Guo Lu Rice is colorful, nutritious, and has a very unique flavor. The ingredients for Guo Lu Rice are not fixed, but three items are essential: Houttuynia cordata (also known as fish mint or Zhe’ergen), cured meat, and pickled vegetables (or sauerkraut). Everything else is optional, and the more complex the mix, the better—just toss in any leftover ingredients you have. Green soybeans and corn are added mainly for color, but they also taste great.