Chapter 37 Braised Pork
Shi Yi picked up a clam with her chopsticks and began to slurp it slowly. The meat was so fresh and tender, and very chewy. It was spicy, but not the kind of spicy that was too irritating. It was fragrant and delicious, and the aftertaste was truly unforgettable.
While slurping clams and eating rice, Shi Yi was thoroughly enjoying her meal. Looking down, she noticed the clams had opened, revealing the meat lying quietly inside, waiting to be enjoyed. The bright red chilies added to the appealing presentation.
He was so tempted that he bent down and started eating.
The entire office was filled with the sounds of people happily eating; everyone was satisfied and enjoying their meal.
Spicy clams are delicious and perfect with rice. The meat is tender and clean, with no fishy smell at all, and very fragrant.
But after eating so much, I wanted to drink some water. The restaurant staff were very generous and kind, even giving me a bowl of mung bean soup. They didn't treat me casually just because it was free.
Shi Yi knew how delicious mung bean soup was, much better than the mung bean soup sold in stores for several yuan a bowl. The smooth and sweet mung beans were chewed and savored between her teeth, with a delicate texture.
The soup is clear yet rich, made with high-quality ingredients, and has a lingering sweet flavor that is very comforting.
Now, Shi Yi feels that everywhere is beautiful, and she sees her colleagues eating so enthusiastically.
The lunchboxes were cleaned up spotlessly, with not a single ingredient wasted.
For rice bowls or fried rice like this, Tang Yiyi always includes soup when you order takeout, making it less likely for you to choke.
The next day, Tang Yiyi went to the vegetable market early in the morning. Most of the stall owners already knew her and enthusiastically called out, "Our homegrown vegetables are so fresh and tender!"
"Oranges! Oranges! Oranges are only three yuan a pound, delicious and inexpensive!"
"Fresh beef and lamb, don't miss it!"
"..."
It was a bit noisy, but Tang Yiyi felt it had a lively, down-to-earth atmosphere. It was this kind of market that she always liked to visit when she was in a bad mood.
One street offers a wide variety of ingredients, enough to dazzle the eyes.
With her purpose clear, Tang Yiyi walked up to the pork stall. "Boss, do you have pork belly? Is it fresh?"
The pork stall owner was honest enough, pointing to a few pieces of pork belly and saying, "Young lady, these are all fresh, I guarantee they're fresh. If they're not fresh, I won't charge you!"
Tang Yiyi looked at it and nodded, "Hmm, the pork belly is good."
Then she picked out a few pieces of pork belly and scanned the code to pay.
Back at the restaurant, after setting out the ingredients, Tang Yiyi opened the kitchen window to let in some fresh air before preparing the braised pork.
Braised pork was the restaurant's signature dish, but it was discontinued because many diners said it was too greasy.
Change today's dishes on the blackboard, singe off the pig hair on the stove, then boil it in water, take it out to cool, and cut it into small pieces.
To make braised pork belly that isn't greasy, spices and rock sugar are key, and you also need to control the heat.
After eating tea eggs yesterday, Song Huai was craving them so much that he couldn't stop thinking about them while working. He even had no appetite for dinner and barely ate a few bites.
This morning, without even sleeping in, I rushed over to buy tea eggs. I found the shop owner still busy, so I said, "Give me three tea eggs!"
As soon as he got the tea egg, Song Huai held it carefully, as if he had obtained some treasure.
I couldn't wait to peel it open and discover the familiar and amazing taste, the aroma lingering on my teeth.
After eating three tea eggs, Song Huai didn't feel dry or greasy at all. He stood up and asked, "Boss, what dishes are available for lunch?"
If even a tea egg tastes this good, the food must be delicious too.
Tang Yiyi: "You can look at the blackboard; the menu is on it."
Upon seeing the elegant and neat characters on the blackboard, Song Huai's mouth watered as he noticed that there would be braised pork for lunch.
Wait, this restaurant used to serve braised pork.
But the taste... well, it's hard to describe. It's either too sweet or too cloying, so it's hard to say it's delicious.
But now that the boss has changed, it should be fine to give it a try.
Song Huai said to the owner, "Boss, I'll come back for lunch."
Tang Yiyi smiled and said, "Okay, welcome!"
She didn't buy too much pork belly, fearing that if she couldn't sell it all within a day and had to put it in the freezer overnight, it would affect the taste.
To cook pork belly properly, you need to make it neither dry nor tough, and fatty but not greasy.
Heat a wok over high heat, add oil, then add spices. When the oil reaches a certain temperature, add a little sugar and slowly stir-fry until the sugar caramelizes. Then add the stir-fried pork belly, followed by an appropriate amount of water, chicken bouillon, rock sugar, and other seasonings. Finally, reduce the sauce over high heat and serve.
Tang Yiyi made a small bowl to taste, and Song Man at the front desk smelled it, her stomach growling loudly, as if she had been starving for a long time.
The air was filled with the rich aroma of meat and spices, and even some people on the roadside stopped to look over.
Tang Yiyi brought out the braised pork and took out clean chopsticks. "Xiaoman, have a taste."
Each piece of braised pork is almost the same size, with an enticing translucent amber color, a glossy skin, and a perfect balance of fat and lean meat.
Song Man didn't know where to put her hands, but then, remembering that it was for tasting, she picked up a piece of meat.
The fatty meat is tender but not mushy, melting in your mouth without being greasy, while the lean meat is chewy, with a sweet and salty flavor, and a hint of wine aroma.
The aftertaste is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, with a rich and aromatic sauce.
This is the best braised pork she has ever eaten!
Song Man was speechless for a moment, when Tang Yiyi asked, "How does it taste?"
"Delicious, rich but not greasy, savory and delicious!" Song Man was still savoring the taste.
Tang Yiyi tried a piece herself and said it was fine; she left the rest for Xiaoyu.
At 11:30, Song Huai appeared at the restaurant entrance. If he had arrived any later, he would have had to compete with students, nearby residents, and passersby for food, and might even have had to wait in line.
"Boss, one order of braised pork, please," Song Huai said to the boss, the rich aroma of the meat making him unable to move.
"Okay, just a moment."
Tang Yiyi heated oil in a wok and started adding spices.
Song Huai didn't even use his phone; he watched the kitchen the whole time. First came the aroma of spices—yes, the scent of star anise and cinnamon—then came the aroma of meat; the two blended together perfectly.
He drank the soup, barely suppressing the rising hunger in his stomach.
Before long, a plate of braised pork was served, its color, aroma, and taste irresistible.
The aroma wafted into his nose, growing stronger and stronger. Song Huai picked up his chopsticks, grabbed a piece of meat, and put it in his mouth.
The meat is firm yet tender, the fat is not greasy, and it's bouncy, while the lean meat is delicate and tender. Not bad at all.
The braised pork I had before was either bland or too greasy, but the braised pork in front of me was just right, perfect, and unforgettable.
Song Huai took a bite of the fatty meat; it wasn't greasy or nauseating. The lean meat was firm and flavorful, perfectly balancing the taste of the fatty meat, making it a great accompaniment to rice.
When Xiaoyu returned, the store was bustling with customers.
He went to the front desk to help Sister Xiaoman pack lunch boxes; he was already quite adept at it!
Seeing Xiaoyu's well-behaved and sensible appearance, Song Man smiled and praised him, "Thank you, Xiaoyu, you're so good~"
During peak seasons, there are always a lot of takeout orders.
Tang Yiyi dared not slack off at all. The perseverance she had built up during this period meant that she wouldn't experience the backache and shoulder pain she had when she first transmigrated.
It was peak dining time, and other restaurants were doing so-so. Many passersby were looking for a restaurant to eat at. Tang Yiyi Restaurant was small and plainly decorated, and not particularly eye-catching. But when they saw the customers inside enjoying their meals, and some even wolfing down their food, passersby slowly stopped and went into the restaurant.
The rich aroma of food wafts through the air, easily whetting the appetites of the guests. The clanging of woks and the sizzling of stir-frying in the kitchen create a beautiful symphony.
Seeing that the restaurant cooks dishes fresh and serves them quickly, many customers chose to stay and order.
office.
Teacher Wang had a headache. It was a simple question, but how could the students' thinking diverge so much?
"Still grading homework? Aren't you going to eat?" Teacher Chu had just returned from lunch.
"Almost done, we'll go eat soon."
Teacher Chu sat down, then suddenly remembered something, "By the way, are you going out to eat later?"
"Mmm," Teacher Wang nodded.
"The Tang Family Restaurant near the school gate was packed with people. The queue stretched outside the door, and every table inside was full of people, with many standing and eating their meals."
Teacher Chu's tone was somewhat exaggerated.
"Then I'll order takeout."
She doesn't eat at restaurants, but if she can't get restaurant food, she loses her appetite.
Opening the food delivery platform, the familiar interface appeared, and Teacher Wang placed an order. It's easy to get tired of braised pork in the summer, but the meat in the picture looked beautiful and appetizing.
A serving of braised pork and a serving of green vegetables is enough.
Half an hour later, Teacher Wang went to pick up the takeout. It was so hot outside that she was sweating, but it felt much cooler back in the office.
It's almost one o'clock, and some teachers have already lay down to rest.
Teacher Wang quietly opened the takeout container, and a delicious aroma wafted out.
The caramelized pork belly is crystal clear and very tempting, with the rice underneath soaked in the caramelized sauce.
Teacher Wang picked up a piece of braised pork and started scrolling through the class group chat. As a homeroom teacher, she usually has to check the group messages so that students and parents can have any needs they require and she can help them.
When I'm very busy, I might not even have time to eat.
The braised pork has a sweet taste at first bite, the fatty parts are soft and chewy without getting stuck in your teeth, the lean meat is easy to bite through, and the fine, loose meat shreds are delicious.
Not greasy at all! Teacher Wang was pleasantly surprised; she had indeed made the right choice.
Furthermore, the rice grains are distinct and plump, with a subtle rice aroma. Paired with braised pork, it's sweet and delicious, followed by a bite of refreshing green vegetables.
Teacher Chu, who was taking a nap, suddenly smelled a meaty odor. She was about to fall asleep, but now she couldn't sleep at all. She looked up and gave the culprit a cool look.
Teacher Wang is enjoying his meal; he certainly won't be able to finish it anytime soon.
I can't sleep, so I'll just skip my afternoon nap.
She got up and walked behind Teacher Wang, asking quietly, "What would you like to eat, Teacher Wang?"
Some teachers also lost their sleepiness and secretly pricked up their ears.
"Braised pork," Teacher Wang replied, then quickly resumed eating.
"Which one? No, wait, the restaurant near the school gate?" Teacher Chu made a bold guess. Only the Tang Family Restaurant near the school gate would Teacher Wang be willing to eat there three times in two days without getting tired of it.
Upon hearing this, Teacher Wang did not deny it and nodded.
The soft, tender, and slightly salty-sweet pork belly is delicious and you'll never get tired of it.
The braised pork belly has an enticing caramel color, a translucent skin, and a perfect balance of lean and fat.
Teacher Chu glanced at it and swallowed hard.
She wanted to eat, even though she had already eaten lunch. Why was she still so hungry?
"I want braised pork tonight!" Teacher Chu had long forgotten her weight loss declaration and returned to her workstation.
Tang Yiyi saw off wave after wave of guests, and when they left the restaurant satisfied, more guests came to order food, so she turned her gaze away.
Braised pork belly was the restaurant's original signature dish, and regular customers were quite surprised to see it. Some customers even ordered several portions, one to eat in the restaurant and the rest to take away.
Grandma Li came over under the blazing sun.
Seeing the chunks of braised pork in many customers' bowls, Grandma Li asked, "Yiyi, does the restaurant sell braised pork now?"
"Your parents used to make braised pork, and it tasted pretty good."
So Tang Yiyi smiled and said, "Grandma, would you like some braised pork?"
"certainly!"
"By the way, Yi Yi, pick out a few pieces of braised pork that are easy to chew."
"Okay, don't worry, Grandma."
Not long after Grandma Li sat down, she felt the cool breeze from the air conditioner.
Then Tang Yiyi brought over a bowl of braised pork. The caramel-colored braised pork was uniform in size, with alternating layers of fat and lean meat, making it very appealing.
The fatty parts, in particular, feel soft, bouncy, and translucent.
The portion was quite large; Grandma Li was worried she wouldn't be able to finish it. Oh well, if there were any left, she'd pack them up and take them home for her husband.
Picking up the braised pork belly, you can appreciate its tempting color even more. The first taste is sweet, followed by a slight saltiness and a strong sauce flavor. The fatty parts are tender and melt in your mouth, yet not greasy at all. It almost tastes better than the lean meat.
This braised pork is such a thoughtful touch for an elderly woman like her!
I was initially worried that my high blood pressure would prevent me from eating high-fat and high-salt foods.
But Grandma Li thought it was fine to eat a few pieces; the fatty part of the braised pork was really good, and it didn't make her feel nauseous or greasy.
It's even sweeter when mixed with rice. The rice has a nice grainy texture, is soft and sticky, and the braised pork has a meaty aroma. The broth soaks into the rice, making it very delicious.
Grandma Li's appetite was whetted, and she kept eating. The braised pork, with its smooth, sweet and savory flavor, was really good. The bok choy served afterward was also excellent, refreshing and not greasy at all.
When she felt about 70% full, Grandma Li reluctantly put down her chopsticks and went to the front desk to get a takeout container to pack up the remaining dishes.
This braised pork is delicious; it would be a shame to waste it.
After finishing her business at the shop, Tang Yiyi started making lunch.
They also had braised pork for lunch, along with another meat dish and a soup.
The braised pork was tender, savory, and sweet, and tasted delicious. Xiaoyu ate several pieces, his cheeks twitching as he slowly ate.
Tang Yiyi counted how many servings of braised pork she sold, totaling thirty-six servings. Including takeout orders, she split the profits 50/50, earning over four hundred yuan.
It would be great if braised pork became the restaurant's signature dish in the future.
After cleaning up the dishes and putting them in the sterilizer, Tang Yiyi rested on the table.
It was a quiet afternoon, and although it was still hot outside, the restaurant was cool and refreshing.
When I woke up, I heard a rustling sound. It turned out that Xiaoyu was packing his schoolbag.
She thought of something and called out to Xiaoyu, "Wait a minute, Xiaoyu."
"Sister?" Xiaoyu turned around, puzzled.
Tang Yiyi took the fruit to the kitchen to wash it, then cut it up and put it in a box.
She came out with a box of fruit slices in her hand and told Xiaoyu to take it to school to eat.
Carefully placing the fruit box into his schoolbag, Xiaoyu waved goodbye, "Sister, Xiaoyu's off to school!"
"Okay, be careful."
The school curriculum is not extensive, mainly focusing on Chinese, math, and English. Xiaoyu has a physical education class in the afternoon.
Afraid of being late, Xiaoyu didn't go back to the classroom to put his schoolbag away. Instead, he placed it on the playground platform and hurried back to his class.
The PE teacher said a few words and then dismissed the group, letting them do as they pleased.
Under the shade of a tree, amidst the chattering of children, Xiaoyu sat on a stone stool, eating sliced fruit.
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