The first time I tasted this dish, I was a kid at a big family gathering. I still remember the scramble with my cousins, all of us racing to grab a few bites before the adults reminded us to “save room for the hot dishes.”
That was the moment I realized cold dishes aren’t just for vegetables. Done right, chilled meat can leave a lasting impression that lingers for years.
What Makes It So Addictive?
Thinly sliced pork is marinated and coated in sweet potato starch before being lightly cooked to a silky, translucent perfection. Paired with fresh, chewy shimeji mushrooms, then topped with hot oil to release a wave of aroma—it’s a texture and flavor explosion. 
And don’t forget the dipping sauce: spicy, savory, and garlicky. It ties the whole dish together and makes it impossible to stop at one bite.
Cold Pork & Mushroom Salad Recipe
Ingredients：
- 250g lean pork
- 200g sweet potato starch
- 80g boiling water
- 60g shimeji mushrooms
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp white sesame seeds
- Scallion threads
- 2 tbsp hot oil
H4: Optional Dipping Sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp black vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
- Chopped scallions and chili rings
Instructions：
Step 1: Prep the Pork
Soak the pork slices in warm water for 15 minutes to remove blood. Slice thinly. Mix with Shaoxing wine, salt, and 1 tbsp soy sauce.
Step 2: Coat with Starch
In a bowl, mix the starch with boiling water to form a thick paste. Coat the pork slices evenly in the starch mixture.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms
Boil water in a pot. Add cleaned shimeji mushrooms and cook for 1 minute. Drain and set aside on a plate.
Step 4: Cook the Pork
Reduce the water to a gentle simmer. Add the pork slices one by one to prevent sticking. Once they set, increase heat and cook for 30 seconds. Remove and plate.
Step 5: Assemble
Drizzle soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds over the pork and mushrooms. Top with scallions. Pour hot oil on top and mix well.
Step 6: Make the Dipping Sauce (Optional)
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Serve alongside the dish.
Final Thoughts
This cold pork salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a culinary time machine. The smooth, tender meat, fresh mushrooms, and spicy dipping sauce create a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s the kind of dish that sparks conversation and nostalgia in every bite.
Try making it during the holidays—or on a regular weeknight. Either way, it’s a guaranteed hit.
