How to Make “Dual Delight Snails”: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Traditional Chinese Dish

Q: Can I replace dog meat spice with another ingredient?
A: Yes, if dog meat spice is unavailable, you can use a mix of five-spice powder and star anise for a similar flavor profile.

Q: Is it necessary to cut off the ends of the snails?
A: Yes, cutting off the ends helps in cleaning the snails and removing dirt.

Q: Can I use canned sour bamboo shoots instead of fresh ones?
A: Yes, canned sour bamboo shoots can be a convenient alternative, though the taste may slightly differ from fresh ones.

Dual Delight Snails

Notes

Ingredients:

Snails, 500g
Sour bamboo shoots, 100g
Dried chilies, 3
Garlic cloves, 3
Ginger slices, 5
Dog meat spice, a handful
Mint, a handful
Other seasonings: cooking wine, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, salt, sugar, chicken powder, oyster sauce
Spices: bay leaves, star anise

Instructions:

Cut off the ends of the snails and scrub with salt. Rinse thoroughly.
Chop the sour bamboo shoots and set aside.
For snail soup: Fry snails in oil, then add water, cooking wine, and ginger. Cook for about 20 minutes. Add salt and mint before serving.
For sour bamboo snails: Fry sour bamboo shoots until dry. Set aside.
In a pot, fry snails, ginger, bay leaves, and star anise. Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, salt, sugar, chicken powder, and oyster sauce. Add a little water and simmer for 20 minutes.
Add the fried sour bamboo shoots, garlic, and dried chilies. Cook until done.
Before serving, add dog meat spice and stir well.
Prepare the dishes: Sour Bamboo Snails, Snail Soup, Dog Meat Spice, and Mint.