Jing Jiang Rou Si — Classic Beijing Cuisine Pork Stir-Fry
Imagine tender pork strips coated in rich sauce, wrapped in a thin tofu sheet — each bite bursting with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This is Jing Jiang Rou Si, a beloved home-style dish that brings the comforting taste of Beijing to your plate!
1. Origin and History
Jing Jiang Rou Si originated from everyday home kitchens in Beijing. It began as a simple family dish but gradually made its way onto restaurant menus thanks to its rich sauce flavor and fun, interactive way of eating. Today, it’s a signature dish of Beijing cuisine, showing the local tradition of turning humble ingredients into refined dishes.
2. Cultural Significance
For locals, this dish represents the taste of home. It can be a simple everyday meal or an elegant dish to serve guests. The hands-on style of wrapping the pork in tofu sheets adds a playful and social element to dining.
3. Ingredient Highlights
Tender pork tenderloin is a must, as it’s the softest part of the pig. The key to its authentic flavor is mixing Beijing’s famous Liubiju fermented soybean paste with sweet bean sauce in a 3:7 ratio. The dish only needs a few crisp garnishes like shredded scallions and cucumber strips.
4. Cooking Process
Cooking it requires careful timing: first, slice and marinate the pork tenderloin, then quickly fry to keep it juicy. Stir-fry the sauce until fragrant, add the pork, and toss until every piece is coated. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil. The whole process takes under 10 minutes.
5. Flavor and Texture
The dish is known for its rich, sweet-savory sauce and tender, juicy pork. The sauce is bold but never heavy, and when paired with crunchy scallions and crisp cucumber, each bite offers layers of flavors and textures that keep you coming back for more.
6. How to Eat It
The authentic way to enjoy it: place some pork strips, scallions, and cucumber sticks on a thin tofu sheet, wrap it up like a small parcel, and pop it into your mouth. The nutty tofu aroma, rich pork sauce, and refreshing veggies blend perfectly together — fun and delicious!
7. Where to Try It
You can find authentic Jing Jiang Rou Si at restaurants like Dong Xing Lou, Tai Feng Lou, and Feng Ze Yuan. Expect to spend about 50–100 RMB per person. When ordering, say “Jing Jiang Rou Si,” and if you want more tofu sheets, ask for “extra tofu wraps.”
8. Travel Tips
The English name for 京酱肉丝 is “Beijing Style Fried Pork Strips in Sweet Bean Sauce.” Eat it while it’s hot — once it cools, the sauce thickens and loses its smooth texture. If you don’t like raw scallions, ask for them to be blanched or replaced with extra cucumber.
9. Easy Home Version
You can try a simple home-style version: mix store-bought sweet bean sauce with a little sugar and sesame oil, and use chicken breast instead of pork for easier prep. Use lettuce leaves instead of tofu sheets for a fresh twist. It won’t be fully authentic, but you’ll still enjoy the fun of wrapping and eating.
Give this flavorful Beijing classic a try! It’s not just a dish — it’s an interactive and tasty experience. Add it to your Beijing food checklist and let its rich, savory flavor become a delicious memory of the city’s home-style cuisin.
