As the saying goes, “Every part of the pig is valuable.” From head to tail, almost nothing goes to waste. Pork belly, ribs, trotters, ears, and even tails are all delicious in their own right. But among all these treasures, there’s one cut that is rare, precious, and highly nourishing—and a single pig only yields about one pound of it. If you ever spot it at the market, don’t hesitate—grab it immediately. That cut is pork stomach, also known as the pig’s stomach.
Despite its humble appearance, pork stomach is a nutrition powerhouse. According to traditional Chinese medicine, it’s warm in nature and sweet in taste, entering the spleen and stomach meridians. It’s rich in protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and various vitamins, making it an excellent choice for those with weak digestion, low appetite, or fatigue. Cooked properly, it’s tender yet slightly chewy, full of flavor, and completely unique in taste.
Before cooking, cleaning the pork stomach thoroughly is essential. Flip it inside out, rub with flour and vinegar, and rinse repeatedly to remove odors while preserving its natural flavor. Once cleaned, here are three delicious ways to enjoy pork stomach at home.
1. Pork Stomach Soup with Chinese Yam, Lotus Seeds, and Red Dates
This “stomach-nourishing soup” is mild, nutritious, and suitable for all ages.
Instructions:
- Boil the cleaned pork stomach in water with cooking wine and ginger slices, then remove, rinse, and cut into strips.
- Peel and chop Chinese yam into segments, cut carrots into chunks, and rinse lotus seeds and red dates, soaking briefly.
- Combine pork stomach, lotus seeds, red dates, and ginger slices in a pot, add water, bring to a boil, then simmer on low for 1 hour.
- Add yam and carrots, continue simmering 30–40 minutes until all ingredients are tender. Season with salt before serving.
The result is a creamy, flavorful soup that warms you from the stomach to the heart. The yam is soft, the lotus seeds slightly sweet, and the red dates fragrant—all infused with the rich umami of pork stomach. Perfect for autumn and winter, this soup supports digestion, boosts energy, and nourishes the blood.
2. Stir-Fried Pork Stomach with Green Peppers
A quick, savory dish perfect for pairing with rice. The pork stomach is crispy yet tender, and the peppers add a fresh, slightly spicy crunch.
Instructions:
- Pre-cook the pork stomach (boil or use a pressure cooker), let it cool, then cut into thick strips.
- Wash and slice green peppers, prepare minced garlic and julienned ginger.
- Heat oil in a wok, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant, then add peppers and stir-fry until just tender.
- Add pork stomach, stir-fry on high heat, and season with cooking wine, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a pinch of salt and sugar to taste.
Tip: This dish relies on “wok hei”—the unique aroma from high-heat stir-frying. The pork stomach absorbs the freshness of the peppers and umami of the sauces, creating a dish that’s rich, chewy, and extremely appetizing.
3. Steamed Pork Stomach
The simplest way to enjoy its natural flavor. Steaming preserves nutrition and taste.
Instructions:
- Place the cleaned pork stomach in a dish with ginger slices and a piece of green onion.
- Steam over high heat for 40 minutes to 1 hour, until a chopstick easily pierces through.
- Let cool, cut into even strips, and arrange neatly on a plate.
- Prepare a dipping sauce with minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of vinegar.
Steaming highlights the pork stomach’s natural texture and flavor. It’s soft yet slightly chewy, with a subtle richness. Paired with the savory, slightly spicy garlic sauce, it’s a perfect, elegant dish.
Conclusion
Pork stomach is truly a culinary gem. Next time you visit the market, if you see fresh, clean pork stomach, don’t hesitate. Whether you make a nourishing soup, a quick stir-fry, or simply steam it to perfection, it will become the star of your dining table. Rich, nutritious, and flavorful—missing out would be a real regret!
