Yuxiang Rousi (Chinese Sichuan-Style Pork)

"Yuxiang" is a traditional Sichuan preparation that is typically used for pork, eggplant, and sometimes tofu. It literally means "fish-flavored", because it is flavored with the same condiments that are used in preparing fish, however Chinese restaurants in the US simply translate it "Sichuan Pork". Recipe adapted from "Pei Mei's Chinese Cook Book" and "Yan Kit's Classic Chinese Cook Book"

• Ready In: 45 hrs
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 ounce  cloud ear mushrooms
• 10  ounces  pork loin
• 1  tablespoon soy sauce
• 2  teaspoons cornstarch
• 4 -5  scallions
• 6  water chestnuts
• 1⁄4 cup  peanut oil
• 3  cloves chopped garlic
• 1  teaspoon  fresh grated ginger
• 1  tablespoon  hot bean paste
• 1⁄2 tablespoon  shaoxing wine

• Seasoning sauce

•  green parts scallion
• 1  tablespoon soy sauce
• 1  tablespoon  chinese black vinegar (or use balsamic)
• 1  teaspoon sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 2  teaspoons cornstarch
• 1  teaspoon  sesame oil
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Pour boiling water over cloud ears and soak for 20-30 minutes.
2. Cut pork 'silk' style (into strips about 2 inches long and 1/16-inch thick--this is easier to do with meat that has been in the freezer for 20 minutes), marinate with 1 T soy sauce and 2 t cornstarch about 15 minutes.
3. Cut scallions into small rounds, keeping white and green parts separate. Sliver water chestnuts, then drain cloud ears and sliver them as well. (When the dish is prepared, the shape of the pork, water chestnut, and cloud ear strips should be the same.).
4. Combine seasoning sauce ingredients and set aside.
5. Heat wok until smoking, add peanut oil, swirl to heat, add garlic and toss a moment until fragrant. Then add ginger and white parts of scallions and stir-fry until fragrant. Stir in the bean paste, then add pork, cloud ears, and water chestnuts and stir-fry until the pork is cooked. As you are stir-frying, splash the wine into the wok along the sides, allowing it to sizzle as you continue to stir.
6. Finally add the seasoning sauce, stir thoroughly, and serve.
7. Serves 4 as part of a Chinese meal, with rice, soup, and 2-3 other dishes.