At the table
Ask for pieces, let them cool slightly and eat slowly. Tea is a customary accompaniment; no sauce is needed for this version.
Confirm the fat and seasonings. It contains pork fat and wheat; baijiu is used in rendering, so do not assume alcohol-free.
This is a spiced home version using rapeseed oil. Local shop versions may use scallion and flaxseed oil; shape and cooking equipment vary.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
This is a spiced home version using rapeseed oil. Local shop versions may use scallion and flaxseed oil; shape and cooking equipment vary.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Savory pork fat with aromatic fennel and anise, mild pepper warmth.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Crisp crust, soft folded layers and rich oily crumb.
- How it’s made
- Render pork fat with ginger and baijiu. Cook some rendered fat with flour, salt, ground Sichuan pepper, star anise, white pepper and fennel. Make soft dough with flour, water, yeast, sugar and a little rendered fat; knead in culinary alkali, stretch, spread the spiced paste, roll and shape. Cook in rapeseed oil in a covered double-sided griddle.
This is a spiced home version using rapeseed oil. Local shop versions may use scallion and flaxseed oil; shape and cooking equipment vary.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Gansu.
About this regional connection
Gansu: Local culinary association; not a claim of exclusive origin.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有天水猪油盒吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Tianshui lard-layered cake
Zhuyouhe is part of Tianshui’s morning snack-shop culture. Folding fat through dough creates its contrast between crisp surface and soft layers; cakes may be cut for sharing with tea.