Fuqi fei pian – Classic
This is the traditional, time-tested version of the dish. It stays true to its origins, using well-established techniques and ingredients that define its authentic flavor. A perfect starting point for exploring its evolution.
Country: 
China Region / Locale: Chengdu Servings: Serves 4
China Region / Locale: Chengdu Servings: Serves 4Fuqi Fei Pian, a Sichuan delicacy, is steeped in a rich culinary history dating back to the early 20th century. The name, which translates to ‘Husband and Wife Lung Slices,’ is a tribute to a couple who popularized this dish with their renowned street food stall in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. Traditionally, this dish combines thinly sliced beef or offal, prepared in a spicy, numbing red chili sauce, offering a robust flavor profile that’s both intensely spicy and delightfully aromatic thanks to the Sichuan peppercorns.
Ingredients
- beef shank or brisket – 1 lb / 450 g
- beef tripe – 1 lb / 450 g
- Sichuan peppercorns – 1 tablespoon / 6 g
- dried red chilies – 10-15 pieces
- soy sauce – 1/4 cup / 60 ml
- Chinkiang vinegar – 2 tablespoons / 30 ml
- garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- ginger – 1-inch piece, minced
- scallions – 2, finely sliced
- sesame oil – 2 tablespoons / 30 ml
- sugar – 1 tablespoon / 12 g
- peanuts – 1/4 cup / 30 g, crushed
- cilantro – 1/4 cup / 15 g, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to boil, then add the beef shank and tripe. Cook for 10 minutes, skimming foam.
- Drain and rinse the meats; refill the pot with water, and add beef, tripe, Sichuan peppercorns, and dried chilies. Simmer for 2 hours until tender.
- Remove meats from the broth; let cool completely. Slice thinly against the grain.
- In a large bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, scallions, sesame oil, and sugar. Add cooled, sliced meats to the mixture.
- Toss meat slices to evenly coat in sauce, ensuring flavors penetrate.
- To serve, top with crushed peanuts and cilantro.
Substitutions
- beef tripe -> tofu or chicken breast
- Chinkiang vinegar -> balsamic vinegar
Enhancements in the Next Evolution
- Add a resting or marinating period for the meat in the sauce to deepen flavor.
- Include a short section about marinating techniques.
- Consider using freshly roasted Sichuan pepper for an enhanced aroma.
Curious to see how this dish evolves? Discover refined flavors and enhanced techniques in the next version.
