Beijing Chao Gan (Stir-Fried Liver and Intestines)
A classic Beijing street snack featuring pork liver and intestines in a thick, garlicky sauce. Velvety liver and tender intestines create a rich, savory flavor.
Ingredients
13 items- Pork liver 250g
- Pork large intestine 200g
- Garlic 15g
- Ginger 10g
- Scallion 1
- Star anise 2 pieces
- Light soy sauce 2 tbsp (30ml)
- Dark soy sauce 1 tbsp (15ml)
- Shaoxing wine 1 tbsp (15ml)
- Cornstarch 30g
- Salt to taste
- White pepper a pinch
- Cooking oil as needed
Nutrition
Steps （8 steps）
Slice the pork liver and soak in water for 20 minutes, changing water once. Drain, then marinate with 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine and a pinch of white pepper for 10 minutes to remove odor.
Place the pork intestines in a pot of cold water with ginger slices, scallion sections, and star anise. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes. Remove and cut into small sections.
Finely mince the garlic and divide into two portions: one for stir-frying, one for garnishing.
Heat the wok over medium heat with 1 tbsp oil. Add ginger slices, scallion sections, and one portion of garlic. Stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the intestine sections and stir-fry briefly. Add light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and enough hot water (about 500ml). Bring to a boil then reduce to low heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Scatter the marinated liver slices into the soup. Cook over high heat until the liver changes color, about 1 minute. Immediately pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring gently to thicken.
Continue cooking over medium heat for about 2 minutes until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
Turn off the heat, sprinkle the remaining garlic and a drizzle of sesame oil (optional). Transfer to a bowl and serve hot.
Tips
Add the liver at the last moment and thicken immediately after it changes color to keep it tender. Parboil the intestines until soft. Add the cornstarch slurry gradually to achieve the desired thickness.
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