Jining, a city located in the Shandong province of China, boasts a rich culinary heritage that reflects its history and cultural diversity. This guide aims to take you on a culinary journey through some of the most delightful local dishes that Jining has to offer. From savory snacks to hearty main courses, each dish is a testament to the region’s culinary traditions and flavors.

1. Jinan Braised Pork (Jinan Rousi)

Jinan Braised Pork is a classic Shandong dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The dish features tender slices of pork belly that are slowly braised until they are melt-in-the-mouth soft. The key to its unique flavor lies in the use of Shandong soy sauce, which gives the meat a rich, savory taste.

Ingredients:

  • Pork belly
  • Shandong soy sauce
  • Star anise
  • Ginger
  • Scallions
  • Sugar
  • Rice wine

Preparation:

  1. Cut the pork belly into thin slices.
  2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the pork slices for a few minutes to remove any impurities.
  3. Drain the pork slices and rinse them with cold water.
  4. In a separate pot, add the soy sauce, star anise, ginger, scallions, sugar, and rice wine.
  5. Add the pork slices to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Reduce the heat and let the pork simmer for several hours, or until it is tender.

2. Jining Braised Chicken (Jining Zhenji)

Jining Braised Chicken is another beloved dish from the region. It is known for its tender, juicy chicken meat and a slightly sweet and savory sauce. The dish is often served with steamed buns, making it a perfect comfort food.

Ingredients:

  • Chicken
  • Shandong soy sauce
  • Sugar
  • Star anise
  • Ginger
  • Scallions
  • Rice wine
  • Cornstarch

Preparation:

  1. Cut the chicken into pieces and blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes.
  2. Drain the chicken and rinse it with cold water.
  3. In a large pot, add the soy sauce, sugar, star anise, ginger, scallions, and rice wine.
  4. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Reduce the heat and let the chicken simmer for about an hour.
  6. Thicken the sauce with cornstarch and serve with steamed buns.

3. Jining Fried Noodles (Jining Youxian)

Jining Fried Noodles is a popular street food that combines the simplicity of a stir-fry with the rich flavors of Shandong cuisine. The dish is made with thin wheat noodles, scrambled eggs, and a variety of vegetables, all stir-fried together with a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and chili oil.

Ingredients:

  • Thin wheat noodles
  • Eggs
  • Vegetables (e.g., carrots, green onions, bell peppers)
  • Shandong soy sauce
  • Garlic
  • Chili oil
  • Sesame oil

Preparation:

  1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions and set them aside.
  2. In a wok or large pan, heat some oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the garlic and chili oil to the pan and stir-fry for a few seconds.
  4. Add the vegetables and stir-fry until they are tender.
  5. Push the vegetables to the side of the wok and add the eggs to the empty space.
  6. Scramble the eggs and then mix them with the vegetables.
  7. Add the cooked noodles to the wok and stir-fry everything together.
  8. Season with soy sauce and sesame oil, and serve hot.

4. Jining Sweet Rice Balls (Jining Tangyuan)

Jining Sweet Rice Balls, also known as Tangyuan, are a traditional Chinese dessert that is particularly popular during the Lantern Festival. These round, glutinous rice balls are filled with sweet sesame or red bean paste and served in a light syrup.

Ingredients:

  • Glutinous rice flour
  • Water
  • Sugar
  • Sesame or red bean paste
  • Almond extract (optional)
  • Food coloring (optional)

Preparation:

  1. In a large bowl, mix the glutinous rice flour and water until a dough forms.
  2. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
  3. Divide the dough into small pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
  4. Fill each ball with a teaspoon of sesame or red bean paste.
  5. Seal the ball by pressing the edges together.
  6. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the rice balls.
  7. Cook the rice balls until they float to the surface and are cooked through.
  8. Remove the rice balls from the water and drizzle them with a light syrup made from sugar and water.

Conclusion

Jining’s culinary landscape is a treasure trove of flavors and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring the local dishes is a must-do experience. From the savory braises to the sweet desserts, each dish tells a story of the region’s rich cultural heritage.