Mei Cai Kou Rou is a dish made of pork and vegetables. It is considered a delicacy in China, and is often eaten during special occasions. The dish is said to be named after the two main ingredients: mei cai (pickled mustard greens) and kou rou (pork).
Mei cai kou rou, or pickled mustard greens, is a popular Chinese dish made from fermented mustard greens and rice. The pickling process not only enhances the flavor of the dish, but also preserves it for long periods of time. Although mei cai kou rou can be enjoyed as is, it is often served as a side dish alongside other main courses. In this article, we will show you how to make mei cai kou rou at home.
How To Make Mei Cai Kou Rou: A Simple Guide
Making mei cai kou rou is a relatively simple process that can be done with a few easily accessible ingredients. This dish is a type of braised pork belly that is enjoyed for its delicate and addictive flavor. Mei cai kou rou can be served as a main course or as an appetizer, and it is sure to be a hit with everyone at your table.
The first step in making mei cai kou rou is to cut the pork belly into 1-inch cubes. If you are using a frozen pork belly, make sure to thaw it completely before cutting. Next, season the pork cubes with salt, pepper, and Shaoxing wine. Shaoxing wine is a type of Chinese cooking wine that can be found in most Asian markets. If you cannot find Shaoxing wine, you can substitute dry sherry or cooking sake.
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Once the pork is seasoned, heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan and then add the pork cubes. Sear the pork until it is browned on all sides. This step helps to create a flavorful crust on the outside of the meat.
After the pork is seared, add the mei cai (pickled mustard greens) to the pan. Mei cai is a type of pickled vegetable that can be found in most Asian markets. If you cannot find mei cai, you can substitute another type of pickled vegetable, such as sauerkraut.

Stir the mei cai and pork together until the mustard greens are wilted. Then, add enough chicken broth to cover the ingredients in the pan. Bring the liquid to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let the pork simmer for 1-2 hours, or until it is cooked through.
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pan and allow it to cool slightly. Then, cut the meat into thin slices and return it to the pan. Once the pork is browned, add the mei cai (or Chinese pickles) and the Shaoxing wine to the pot and give everything a good stir. Then, add enough water to cover the pork cubes and bring the pot to a boil. Stir in some dark soy sauce and sugar to taste. The dark soy sauce will add color and depth of flavor to the dish, while the sugar will help to balance out the salty flavors.
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Reduce the heat to low and simmer the pork in the pot for about 2 hours, or until it is cooked through. Serve hot with steamed rice. Enjoy!
Ingredients That You Must Prepare Before Making Mei Cai Kou Rou
Mei cai kou rou is one of the most popular dishes in China. It is a simple dish but it is also very delicious. If you want to make mei cai kou rou, there are some things you need to prepare first.
Meat
The first thing you need to do is prepare the meat. You can use pork, beef, or chicken. Cut the meat into small pieces and marinate it with some soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and ginger for about 30 minutes.
Sauce
The sauce is what makes this dish so delicious. To make the sauce, you will need soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and beef broth. Mix all of these ingredients together in a bowl and set it aside.
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Vegetables
The next thing you need to do is prepare the vegetables. The most common vegetables used in mei cai kou rou are cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms. You can use any vegetables you like though. Cut the vegetables into small pieces and soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This will make them easier to cook.
Mei Cai
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The last thing you need to do is prepare the mei cai. Mei cai is pickled mustard greens and it is what gives this dish its unique flavor. You can buy mei cai at most Chinese supermarkets. If you can’t find it, you can also use regular mustard greens.
Now that you have everything prepared, you are ready to start cooking! Heat some oil in a wok or frying pan over medium heat. Add the meat and cook it until it is browned. Add the vegetables and cook them for about 5 minutes. Add the mei cai and cook for another 2 minutes. Finally, add the sauce and cook for 1 more minute.
And there you have it! A delicious dish of mei cai kou rou that you can enjoy at home. If you want, you can also add some rice or noodles to make it a complete meal. Enjoy!
Amazing Mei Cai Kou Rou Recipes That You Must Try
There are many ways to cook mei cai kou rou, but the most popular way is to pan-fry the pork belly until it is crispy, then stew the pork in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar. Some variations of the dish also call for add ingredients such as garlic, ginger, and scallions.
Here are some amazing mei cai kou rou recipes that you must try:
Pan-Fried Mei Cai Kou Rou with Sweet and Sour Sauce
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Ingredients:
1 pound of pork belly, cut into 3-inch pieces
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 cup of pineapple chunks
1/4 cup of white vinegar
3 tablespoons of sugar
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of rice wine
1 teaspoon of cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon of salt

Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the pork belly, vegetable oil, pineapple chunks, white vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the pork mixture.
3. Cook the pork for 8 minutes per side or until crisp and golden brown.
4. Serve with steamed rice and enjoy!
Braised Mei Cai Kou Rou
Ingredients:
1 pound of pork belly, cut into 3-inch pieces
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 cup of chicken broth
3 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of rice wine
1 teaspoon of sugar
1/4 teaspoon of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the pork belly, vegetable oil, chicken broth, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and salt.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the pork mixture.
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3. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low.
4. Simmer the pork for 1 hour or until tender.
5. Serve with steamed rice and enjoy!
Stir-Fried Mei Cai Kou Rou
Ingredients:
1 pound of pork belly, cut into 3-inch pieces
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1/4 cup of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of rice wine
1 teaspoon of sugar
1/4 teaspoon of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the pork belly, vegetable oil, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and salt.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the pork mixture.
3. Cook the pork for 8 minutes per side or until crisp and golden brown.
4. Serve with steamed rice and enjoy!
These are just some of the many amazing mei cai kou rou recipes that you can try at home. So what are you waiting for? Give them a try and let us know how it goes!
What Makes Mei Cai Kou Rou Special?
Mei cai kou rou is a popular dish in China and Taiwan, and it is often served as a side dish or appetizer. It can be made with different types of meat, but the most common version is made with pork. The dish is usually served with rice and steamed buns, but it can also be eaten on its own.
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Although there are many different dishes that can be made with sautéed vegetables, mei cai kou rou is special because of its unique flavor and texture. The onions and garlic give the dish a strong flavor that is balanced by the sweetness of the Chinese cabbage. The vegetables are also cooked until they are soft and chewy, which makes them a perfect accompaniment to other dishes.
What makes mei cai kou rou so special is its unique flavor and texture. The onions and garlic give the dish a strong flavor that is balanced by the sweetness of the Chinese cabbage. The vegetables are also cooked until they are soft and chewy, which makes them a perfect accompaniment to other dishes.
There are many different recipes for mei cai kou rou, but the basic ingredients are always the same. The dish typically includes Chinese cabbage, onions, garlic, pork, and soy sauce. Sometimes other vegetables such as carrots or green beans are added to the mix. The exact proportions of each ingredient can vary depending on the recipe, but the result is always a delicious and hearty dish.
There are many different ways to enjoy mei cai kou rou. It can be eaten as a main dish, side dish, or appetizer. It is often served with rice and steamed buns, but it can also be eaten on its own. No matter how you enjoy it, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Mei cai kou rou can be served hot or cold, and it is a popular dish for both everyday meals and special occasions. It is easy to prepare and can be made with ingredients that are readily available at most grocery stores.
If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy sautéed vegetables, then you should definitely try mei cai kou rou. The unique flavor and texture of the dish is sure to please even the most discerning palate. So why not give it a try today? You won’t be disappointed.

Benefits Of Eating Mei Cai Kou Rou
This dish is made with Chinese mustard greens and pork, and it is low in calories and high in nutrients. Some of the benefits of eating Mei Cai Kou Rou include weight loss, improved digestion, better skin health, and stronger bones.
The low calorie content in Mei Cai Kou Rou makes it an excellent dish for those who are trying to lose weight. A single serving of this dish contains only about 200 calories, making it a great option for a healthy and filling meal.
The high nutrient content in Mei Cai Kou Rou is another reason why this dish is so good for you. Chinese mustard greens are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. Pork is also a good source of protein and B vitamins. All of these nutrients are essential for maintaining good health.
The improved digestion is another benefit of Mei Cai Kou Rou. This dish is rich in fiber, which helps to keep your digestive system running smoothly. Fiber also helps to regulate blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels.
Mei Cai Kou Rou also has several benefits for digestion. The Chinese mustard greens in the dish contain fiber, which helps to keep things moving along smoothly in the digestive tract. The pork also contains glutamic acid, which is known to help relieve symptoms of indigestion.
This dish is also good for your skin health. The vitamins and minerals in Mei Cai Kou Rou can help to improve the appearance of your skin by making it more radiant and youthful-looking. This dish can also help to improve your bone health. The calcium in Mei Cai Kou Rou helps to strengthen your bones and the iron helps to prevent anemia.
Finally, the stronger bones is another benefit of Mei Cai Kou Rou. This dish contains calcium, which is essential for strong bones. Calcium also helps to prevent osteoporosis, a condition that can lead to weak and fragile bones.
In conclusion, Mei Cai Kou Rou is a healthy and delicious dish that has many benefits for your overall health. If you are looking for a low calorie, high nutrient meal, then this is the perfect dish for you. Mei Cai Kou Rou is also a good choice if you are trying to improve your digestion or skin health. This dish is also beneficial for your bone health. So, if you are looking for a healthy and delicious way to improve your overall health, then be sure to try Mei Cai Kou Rou.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mei Cai Kou Rou
How do you prepare Mei Cai Kou Rou?
Mei Cai Kou Rou is a type of Chinese dish made from pork belly that has been fermented. The dish is usually prepared by marinating the pork belly in a mixture of Chinese five spice, rice wine, and soy sauce for a few hours before cooking. Some variations of the recipe also call for the pork belly to be steamed or boiled before being stir-fried with garlic and ginger.
What are some of the possible side effects of eating Mei Cai Kou Rou?
Mei Cai Kou Rou is a dish that is high in fat and sodium. Some people may experience indigestion after eating this dish. It is also important to note that this dish should be avoided by people with hypertension or heart disease.
What is the origin of Mei Cai Kou Rou?
The dish is said to have originated from the city of Dalian in Liaoning province, China. It was created by a chef who was looking for a way to use up some leftover pork belly that he had. The dish quickly became popular among the locals and eventually made its way to other parts of China.
How do you eat Mei Cai Kou Rou?
Mei Cai Kou Rou is typically served as a main dish with steamed rice or noodles. It can also be eaten as a side dish or appetizer.
Are there any health benefits to eating Mei Cai Kou Rou?
Pork belly is high in fat and calories, so it is not considered to be a healthy food. However, the fermentation process that Mei Cai Kou Rou undergoes helps to break down some of the fat and makes the dish easier to digest. Additionally, the dish is rich in protein and vitamins B1 and B12.
What are some of the common complaints about Mei Cai Kou Rou?
Some people find the dish to be too greasy or fatty. Others find the taste to be too strong or pungent. Finally, some people simply do not like the texture of fermented pork belly.

What are some of the common variations of Mei Cai Kou Rou?
There are many different ways that Mei Cai Kou Rou can be prepared. Some common variations include adding pickled vegetables, using different types of pork (such as shoulder or loin), and marinating the pork for longer periods of time.
What are some of the common mistakes people make when cooking Mei Cai Kou Rou?
One common mistake is using too much salt in the marinade, which can make the dish too salty. Another mistake is not fermenting the pork belly long enough, which can result in a strong and unpleasant flavor. Finally, some people overcook the pork belly, which can make it tough and chewy.
How can I avoid making these mistakes?
When marinating the pork belly, use a light hand with the salt. If you are unsure about how long to ferment the pork belly, start with a shorter time frame and then taste it before deciding whether to let it ferment for longer. When cooking the pork belly, be sure not to overcook it.
What are some other dishes that are similar to Mei Cai Kou Rou?
Other dishes that are similar to Mei Cai Kou Rou include Lu Rou Fan (Taiwanese Braised Pork Rice), Cha Shao Bao (Chinese BBQ Pork Buns), and Baozi (Chinese Steamed Buns).
What are some of the common ways to serve Mei Cai Kou Rou?
Mei Cai Kou Rou can be served with steamed rice or noodles, as a side dish, or as an appetizer. It can also be used as a filling for buns or dumplings.
Do you have any other tips for cooking Mei Cai Kou Rou?
Here are a few tips for cooking Mei Cai Kou Rou:
– If you cannot find fresh pork belly, you can use frozen pork belly. Just be sure to thaw it completely before marinating.
– When cutting the pork belly into pieces, make sure they are all roughly the same size so that they cook evenly.
– If you want a more intense flavor, you can soak the pork belly in the marinade overnight.
– Be sure to simmer the pork belly until it is very tender before stir-frying it with the other ingredients. Otherwise, it will be tough and chewy.
– If you want a crispier texture, you can deep-fry the pork belly before stir-frying it.
What are the ingredients in Mei Cai Kou Rou?
The ingredients in Mei Cai Kou Rou vary depending on the recipe, but typically include pork belly, Chinese five spice, rice wine, and soy sauce.
Conclusion
Mei Cai Kou Rou is a dish that can be made in so many ways, with endless possibilities for ingredients. In this article, we’ve shown you how to make a basic version of the dish with pork and preserved vegetables. However, feel free to get creative and add your own favorite ingredients. The key to making a great Mei Cai Kou Rou is using quality ingredients and taking your time while preparing it. With these tips, you should be able to create a delicious meal that will impress your friends and family members.

Jen Lin-Liu is the founder of Black Sesame Kitchen. A Chinese-American writer and a nationally certified Chinese chef in Beijing. Jen is the author of two memoirs, Serve the People: A Stir-Fried Journey Through China and On the Noodle Road: From Beijing to Rome with Love and Pasta.