Description
A premium veg sweeter and crispier than bamboo shoots, stir-frying the tender pith (heart) at the top of the 'Betel Nut' tree (famous for chewing tobacco) with pork and scallions.
Restaurants serving Stir-fried Betel Nut Pith
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We are researching restaurants that serve this dish.
On this site you can check dictionary details and, later, places to buy or eat related items.
The Recipe section below is a general reference, not a recipe from the listed shops.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Ban Tian Sun(Betel nut pith)
- Pork
- Garlic
- Scallions
- Salt
- White pepper
Instructions
- [Authentic Recipe]
- [Ban Tian Sun Prep] Prepare 'Ban Tian Sun' (meaning bamboo shoot halfway to the sky), the tender pith at the top of a betel nut tree, obtainable only by felling the tree. Slice thinly, parboil briefly to remove astringency.
- Shred pork, season with soy sauce and wine.
- Heat oil in a wok, fragrantly sauté garlic, white scallion parts, and red chili.
- Add pork, fry until color changes, then vigorously toss in the parboiled Ban Tian Sun.
- Since it cooks very fast, coat in oil quickly on high.
- Add salt, white pepper, and a little chicken broth, tossing violently for just dozens of seconds.
- Remove quickly while the pure white color and crisp texture remain.
Learn more Spice, substitutes, tips
Key spices
White pepper and garlic aroma
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
Water bamboo (Makomodake) or Hearts of Palm
Pairing
Cold Taiwan Beer or White Rice
Trivia
[For Adults] Since cutting down the tree kills it, this pith is very rare and expensive. A 'connoisseur' masterpiece you must order if found in Taiwanese taverns or mountain restaurants. Eating it cold (Liangban Ban Tian Sun) with mayonnaise is also a huge staple.
Eating tips & etiquette
[Unique Eating] Chew the 'pure sweetness and crispness'—resembling bamboo shoots but with absolutely no astringency—along with the umami of pork fat!
Allergen
Soy, Pork, Wheat (from marinade soy sauce)