Zhe'er Gen Stir-Fried with Bacon: A Flavorful and Appetizing Dish

Zhe'er Gen, known scientifically as Houttuynia cordata, brings back memories of my childhood over a decade ago. Growing up in a corner of my grandmother's home in a seemingly underdeveloped corner of Guizhou, this village is rich with native delicacies. Each season when Zhe'er Gen flourishes, we would find vast patches of it thriving in the terraced fields. I remember the joy of collecting it, either for a refreshing salad or stir-frying with my grandmother's homemade bacon and Guizhou's spicy red chili peppers—an unforgettable taste that recalls the culinary adventures of 'A Bite of China'. Though its name might sound unassuming, Zhe'er Gen boasts impressive nutritional value. It typically grows in damp, shady areas such as wild fields, roadsides, or beneath garden trees. When crushed, it has a fishy scent with a slightly bitter taste. It is spicy and mildly cold, correlating with the lung meridian, and possesses functions such as clearing heat and detoxifying, expelling pus, and promoting urination. It is used for ailments like lung abscesses, phlegm-heat cough, dysentery, and skin infections. It can be enjoyed in soups, salads, stir-fries, or hotpot. Today, I'm excited to share this Zhe'er Gen stir-fried with bacon, bursting with rich flavors that remind me of home.