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"The more you understand the ingredients, the better cook you will become."
-Martin Yan

These are common ingredients found in local cuisine. You can find these ingredients readily available in your local supermarket.

Preserved Pork

This type of pork is typically sold as dry meat in Chinese markets. When comparing it to Western foods, you might say that it is similar in taste and appearance to thinly sliced strips of bacon. In China, preserved pork is often eaten during the winter months especially near the Chinese New Year. In Hunan and Sichuan, the pork is prepared in a way to give it a smoky flavor. In certain tribal areas, after marinating the pork, people would hang the meat on rooftops or patios for months to dry in order to preserve the natural flavors. When cooking stir fry, adding a few slices of preserved pork really enhance the dish by giving it a salty, sweet, and smoky kick. Clay pot rice bowls also often include preserved pork because the rice will soak all the delicious flavors of the meat. Preserved pork is also a good compliment to a dish when served alongside Chinese sausages.