DIGEST | Assembling Lu Rou Fan

You asked, and we finally answered. To celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Month, we are bring back the rice bowl. And in true New York fashion, it's not quite as requested. Think of this as an at-home self care experience. (Because FYI, self care through food isn't all wellness smoothies, green juice, and raw diets). You can even face mask while you cook the rice – who's to know?

But really: with a jar of our braised pork, a pot of tea, and our step-by-step instructions for lu rou fan assembly, you're on track to recreate Té at home. Extra points if you remember to pick up a persimmon for table decor.

Remember to double check the cooking instructions on the rice package. Some brands require different ratios. Also, use good water.

Procedure

Step 1

Measure the rice. Wash the rice gently with cold water and repeat until the water comes out clear.

Step 2

Measure the amount of water per the package instruction. Generically, short grain rice has a cooking ratio of 1:1. Which means for one cup of rice, one cup of water is needed. The rice will take in between 15 to 45 minutes depending on the cooking vessel you are using.

We are using a Zojirushi rice cooker.

Step 3

When the rice is cooked, use a spatula to fluff the rice gently.

Step 4

The Lu Rou sauce is already made, so all you have to do is open the jar and heat it up.

Step 5

Once the Lu Rou sauce comes to a simmer. Serve over a bowl of rice. The jar should serve two comfortably.

Step 6

Customize your own rice bowl. Add chili crisp, tea eggs, cilantro or scallion, garlicky pickled cucumber, or a dash of soy and sesame oil to taste.

For dessert, we suggest Oriental Beauty & the beloved Pineapple Linzer.

Enjoy!

Addendum

The step-by-step below is for cooking rice on a stove top.

1. Rinse the rice.
2. Use the right ratio of water for rice. Always check the package for instructions.
3. Bring water and rice to a boil. If adding a pinch of salt, this is the right moment.
4. Reduce to a low simmer and cover the pot. The pot should be covered with a tight fitting lid.
5. Cook without stirring or lifting the lid. The rice should take about 15-18 minutes to cook. If you open the the lid before the rice is done, the steam will escape and the rice may not being fully cooked.
6. Let the rice rest with the heat off. Have the discipline to let the rice rest for at least 5 minutes before open the lid.
7. Fluff the rice.