Australia, renowned for its multicultural culinary landscape, offers a rich tapestry of flavours from around the globe. Among these, Xiang cuisine, also known as Hunan cuisine, has gained significant popularity for its bold, spicy, and aromatic dishes. Originating from the Hunan Province in China, Xiang cuisine is celebrated for its use of chilli peppers, garlic, and shallots, creating a symphony of flavours that tantalise the taste buds. In this article, we will explore the essence of Xiang cuisine, its historical background, and highlight some of the most popular Xiang dishes you can find in Australia. We will also include a recipe for one of these beloved dishes for you to try at home.
What is Xiang Cuisine?
Xiang cuisine, or Hunan cuisine, is one of the eight major regional cuisines of China. Known for its spicy and flavorful dishes, Xiang cuisine is characterised by its liberal use of chilli peppers, garlic, and shallots. The cuisine also features a variety of cooking techniques, including steaming, smoking, and stir-frying, which contribute to its rich and diverse flavour profile.
Hunan Province, located in the south-central part of China, boasts a humid subtropical climate that fosters the growth of various fresh ingredients, particularly hot chilli peppers. This abundance of fresh produce, combined with a cultural penchant for bold flavours, has shaped the distinctive characteristics of Xiang cuisine. Unlike Sichuan cuisine, which often uses numbing Sichuan peppercorns, Hunan cuisine focuses on pure, intense heat and sourness, making it a favourite for those who love spicy food.
10 Popular Xiang Dishes in Australia
1. Mao’s Braised Pork Belly (Mao Shi Hong Shao Rou)
Mao’s Braised Pork Belly is a classic Hunan dish, named after Chairman Mao Zedong, who hailed from Hunan Province and was known to love this dish. It features succulent pork belly braised in a rich, sweet, and savoury sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, and spices.
2. Spicy Steamed Fish Head (Duo Jiao Yu Tou)
This dish is a Hunan specialty that showcases the cuisine’s characteristic spiciness. A whole fish head is steamed with a generous amount of chopped chilli peppers, creating a tender and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
3. Stir-Fried Smoked Pork with Garlic Scapes (La Rou Chao Suan Miao)
Smoked pork belly is a staple in Xiang cuisine, and in this dish, it is stir-fried with garlic scapes, creating a smoky, savoury, and slightly spicy flavour profile that is irresistible.
4. Hunan Spicy Chicken (Xiang La Ji)
Hunan Spicy Chicken is a popular dish featuring bite-sized pieces of chicken stir-fried with dried chilli peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, and ginger. The result is a mouthwatering, aromatic dish with a perfect balance of heat and flavour.
5. Stir-Fried Beef with Chili (Chao Niu Rou)
This dish is a staple in Hunan cuisine, combining tender beef slices with an abundance of fresh chilli peppers, garlic, and soy sauce. The beef is cooked quickly over high heat, preserving its tenderness and infusing it with the bold flavours of the seasonings.
6. Dry Pot Cauliflower (Gan Guo Hua Cai)
A vegetarian favourite, Dry Pot Cauliflower features cauliflower stir-fried with chilli peppers, garlic, and a variety of spices in a dry pot, resulting in a dish that is both crispy and full of flavour.
7. Hunan-Style Braised Fish (Xiang Cai Hong Shao Yu)
This dish involves braising fish in a savoury and slightly spicy sauce made with chilli peppers, ginger, garlic, and fermented black beans. The fish absorbs the rich flavours of the sauce, making it a delightful and aromatic dish.
8. Spicy Shrimp (La Jiao Xia)
Spicy Shrimp is a dish that highlights the Hunan love for seafood and chilli peppers. The shrimp are stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and a generous amount of chilli peppers, resulting in a dish that is both spicy and deeply flavorful.
9. Pepper and Salt Ribs (Jiao Yan Pai Gu)
These ribs are marinated in a mixture of spices and then deep-fried until crispy. They are typically seasoned with a mixture of salt, pepper, and chilli powder, making them a crunchy and spicy delight.
10. Hot and Sour Soup (Suan La Tang)
Hunan’s version of Hot and Sour Soup is a tangy and spicy soup made with a variety of ingredients such as tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and a generous amount of vinegar and chilli oil.
Let’s Cook Xiang Food
Recipe: Mao’s Braised Pork Belly (Mao Shi Hong Shao Rou)
Ingredients:
500g pork belly, cut into 2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon rice wine
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger, sliced
2 star anise
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 cup water
Salt to taste
Spring onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Blanch the Pork Belly:
In a pot of boiling water, blanch the pork belly cubes for 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Caramelise the Sugar:
In a large pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the sugar and cook until it caramelises and turns golden brown.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
Add the ginger and garlic to the pan, and sauté until fragrant.
4. Cook the Pork Belly:
Add the blanched pork belly to the pan and stir to coat it with the caramelised sugar and aromatics.
5. Add Seasonings:
Pour in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice wine, and star anise. Stir to combine.
6. Simmer:
Add water to the pan, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the pork belly is tender and the sauce has thickened.
7. Season and Serve:
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot with steamed rice.
The Historical Background of Xiang Cuisine
The history of Xiang cuisine dates back over 2,100 years to the Han Dynasty. Due to Hunan’s strategic location as a transportation hub, the region’s cuisine has been influenced by various culinary traditions from neighbouring provinces. Over centuries, Hunan chefs have developed unique techniques, such as smoking, curing, and pickling, to enhance the flavours of their dishes.
Xiang cuisine has always been known for its spicy flavours, which were historically used to combat the region’s humid climate. The liberal use of chilli peppers and other spices helps stimulate the appetite and promotes digestion, making it a beloved cuisine for locals and food enthusiasts alike.
Xiang Cuisine: Bold and Aromatic Dishes
Xiang cuisine brings the fiery and robust flavours of Hunan Province to the Australian culinary scene, captivating food lovers with its bold and aromatic dishes. From the famous Mao’s Braised Pork Belly to the spicy Steamed Fish Head, Xiang cuisine offers a delightful array of flavours that are both comforting and exciting. Try out the recipe for Mao’s Braised Pork Belly at home and immerse yourself in the rich flavours of this exceptional Chinese cuisine.
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