As an American with a passion for food and a love for exploring different cultures, I have had the pleasure of discovering many amazing dishes around the world. One of the most unforgettable and delicious treats I have come across is the Shaanxi Roujiamo, also known as the Chinese burger. In this blog post, I will take you on a journey through the history, stories, deliciousness, and making of this amazing culinary creation.

 I. Introduction to Shaanxi Roujiamo

 When I first heard the term "Chinese burger," I was immediately intrigued. What could this possibly be? As I soon found out, the Shaanxi Roujiamo is a unique and delicious sandwich-like creation that has been a staple of Shaanxi cuisine for centuries.

The Roujiamo consists of a crispy and flaky bun filled with tender and flavorful braised meat. The combination of the soft bun and the juicy meat is truly a match made in heaven. It is a dish that is loved by locals and tourists alike, and for good reason.

II. History of Shaanxi Roujiamo

The history of the Shaanxi Roujiamo can be traced back over a thousand years. Legend has it that during the Tang Dynasty, a famous poet named Bai Juyi was so impressed by the taste of Roujiamo that he wrote a poem about it. This shows that even back then, Roujiamo was already a beloved dish.

Over the years, Roujiamo has evolved and become more refined. Different regions in Shaanxi have their own variations of the dish, but the basic concept remains the same. Today, Roujiamo is not only a popular street food but also a dish that can be found in restaurants and homes across China.

III. Stories about Shaanxi Roujiamo

There are many interesting stories associated with Shaanxi Roujiamo. One story tells of a poor student who was studying hard for the imperial examinations. He was so poor that he could only afford to eat Roujiamo every day. One day, he was so inspired by the taste of Roujiamo that he wrote a beautiful poem about it. This poem caught the attention of the emperor, who was impressed by the student's talent and gave him a high position in the court.

Another story tells of a famous chef who was challenged to create a dish that could satisfy the picky taste of a wealthy merchant. The chef thought long and hard and finally came up with the idea of making Roujiamo. The merchant was so impressed by the taste of the dish that he gave the chef a large sum of money and asked him to make Roujiamo for all his guests.

These stories not only add to the charm of Shaanxi Roujiamo but also show how important this dish is in Chinese culture.

IV. Deliciousness of Shaanxi Roujiamo

Now let's talk about the most important aspect of Shaanxi Roujiamo – its deliciousness. When you take a bite of a Roujiamo, you are immediately greeted by the crispy and flaky texture of the bun. The bun is made from a special type of flour that is baked to perfection, giving it a golden brown color and a delicious aroma.

Inside the bun, you will find tender and flavorful braised meat. The meat is usually made from pork, although beef and lamb versions are also available. The meat is slow-cooked for hours in a rich and savory broth, which makes it incredibly tender and juicy. The flavors of the meat are enhanced by a variety of spices and seasonings, such as star anise, cinnamon, ginger, and garlic.

The combination of the crispy bun and the juicy meat is truly a taste sensation. The flavors are rich and complex, with a hint of sweetness from the spices and a touch of umami from the meat. Every bite is a burst of flavor that will leave you craving for more.

In addition to the meat, some versions of Roujiamo also come with other fillings, such as green peppers, onions, and cilantro. These add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish, making it even more delicious.

V. Making of Shaanxi Roujiamo

Now that you know how delicious Shaanxi Roujiamo is, let's learn how to make it. Making Roujiamo may seem intimidating at first, but with a little patience and practice, you can create this delicious dish at home.

Ingredients:

· For the bun:

· Flour

· Water

· Yeast

· Sugar

· Salt

· Oil

· For the meat:

· Pork (or beef or lamb)

· Star anise

· Cinnamon

· Ginger

· Garlic

· Soy sauce

· Cooking wine

· Rock sugar

· Broth

Steps:

Making the bun:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add water gradually and mix until a dough forms.

2. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour.

3. After the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and divide it into small pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it into a disc.

4. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little oil. Place the discs of dough in the pan and cook until they are golden brown on both sides. Set aside.

Making the meat:

1. Cut the pork (or beef or lamb) into large pieces. Blanch the meat in boiling water for a few minutes to remove any impurities. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large pot, add a little oil and heat over medium heat. Add the star anise, cinnamon, ginger, and garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.

3. Add the blanched meat to the pot and stir-fry for a few minutes until it is browned on all sides.

4. Add soy sauce, cooking wine, rock sugar, and enough broth to cover the meat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about two to three hours until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Assembling the Roujiamo:

1. Cut the cooked bun in half horizontally.

2. Use a spoon to scoop some of the braised meat into the bun. You can also add some green peppers, onions, or cilantro if desired.

3. Close the bun and enjoy your delicious Shaanxi Roujiamo!

VI. Conclusion

In conclusion, the Shaanxi Roujiamo is truly a remarkable dish. Its rich history, interesting stories, delicious taste, and simple making process make it a must-try for anyone who loves food. Whether you are a fan of Chinese cuisine or just looking for something new and exciting to try, the Shaanxi Roujiamo is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

So the next time you are in China or at a Chinese restaurant, be sure to order a Shaanxi Roujiamo and experience the deliciousness for yourself. You won't be disappointed!