First things first, let's talk about the name. Gua bao literally translates to "scooping bun" in Taiwanese, which makes sense once you see the shape of the bun. It's a soft, fluffy steamed bun that's split open and used to hold all the delicious fillings.
Now, onto the main event: the Taiwanese fried BBQ pork. The pork is typically made from pork belly, which is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, five-spice powder, and other seasonings. It's then slow-cooked until tender and juicy, and finally fried until crispy on the outside.
The fried pork is sliced thick and piled onto the steamed bun, along with pickled mustard greens (aka "Chinese sauerkraut"), fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of ground peanuts. Some restaurants also add a drizzle of sweet and tangy hoisin sauce or a squirt of Sriracha for an extra kick.
Put it all together, and you've got a mouthwatering, messy, and utterly delightful street food experience. To eat a gua bao, you'll want to pick it up with both hands and take a big bite, making sure to get a little bit of everything in each mouthful.
As for where to find Taiwanese fried BBQ pork in the USA, your best bet is to look for restaurants that specialize in Taiwanese or Chinese cuisine. You might also find it at Asian night markets or food festivals. And if all else fails, you can always try making it at home with a recipe from the internet. Just be warned: it's a bit of a process, but the end result is well worth the effort.
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