The Best Meat-Based Dishes from Shanghai Cuisine

Shanghai cuisine, known for its rich flavors and subtle techniques, offers a variety of meat-based dishes that are both comforting and exquisite. Here’s a closer look at some of the best meat dishes you should not miss when exploring the culinary treasures of Shanghai.

1. Shanghai Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)
One of the most celebrated dishes in Shanghai, Hong Shao Rou features tender, caramelized pork belly simmered in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and various spices. The slow-cooking process enhances the flavors, creating a dish that's both sweet and savory. Often served with steamed rice, this dish perfectly encapsulates the essence of Shanghai cuisine.

2. Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs (Tian Tian Pai Gu)
This dish showcases the delicate balance between sweetness and tanginess that characterizes Shanghai flavors. The spare ribs are marinated, fried, and then cooked with a sauce made from vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. The result is a delightful dish with a shiny glaze and a pleasing texture, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

3. Lion’s Head Meatballs (Shi Zi Tou)
Lion's Head Meatballs are a comforting dish made from minced pork mixed with water chestnuts and seasonings. The meatballs are large and round, representing the lion's head, and are typically steamed with vegetables like napa cabbage in a light broth. This dish is a staple in Shanghai and is known for its juicy, tender meat, often served during special occasions.

4. Stir-Fried Shredded Pork with Garlic Sauce (Suan La Rou Si)
A spicy and aromatic dish that combines shredded pork with garlic, ginger, and hot chili. The pork is quickly stir-fried to maintain its tenderness while absorbing the bold flavors of the sauce. This dish is often accompanied by rice or noodles, making it a favorite for a quick yet delicious meal.

5. Stewed Duck with Soy Sauce (Jiang You Ya)
This rich and savory duck dish is slowly braised in soy sauce, rice wine, and a blend of spices. The slow cooking results in tender meat that easily falls off the bone, infused with deep flavors. Stewed duck is often served with rice or noodles, making it a hearty option for any meal.

6. Pork and Crab Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao)
This iconic dish is a must-try when visiting Shanghai. Xiao Long Bao are delicate dumplings filled with pork and a savory broth, sometimes enriched with crab meat. They are steamed to perfection, and the technique of eating them involves careful biting to release the hot broth inside. This unique flavor experience is part of what makes these dumplings a local favorite.

7. Crispy Roast Duck (Kuaichang Ya)
Crispy roast duck is a signature dish that showcases the art of roasting in Shanghai cuisine. The duck is marinated and air-dried before being roasted to achieve a crispy skin and juicy meat. This dish is often served with pancakes, hoisin sauce, and sliced cucumbers, allowing diners to create their own delightful wraps.

Shanghai cuisine offers an array of mouth-watering meat-based dishes that reflect the city's culinary heritage. Whether you're indulging in the rich flavors of braised pork belly or savoring the delicate soup dumplings, each dish tells a story of tradition and taste that is sure to satisfy any meat lover. Don’t miss the chance to explore these flavorful delights the next time you enjoy Shanghai's vibrant food scene.