As a celebrated Chinese chef, I am thrilled to guide you through creating Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, a legendary dish known for its rich flavors and luxurious ingredients. This recipe symbolizes prosperity and is perfect for special occasions. Follow these steps to achieve an authentic, mouthwatering result that will impress your guests.
Essential Ingredients
To ensure a balanced flavor profile, gather high-quality, fresh ingredients. Below is a table listing the key components and their quantities for a standard serving of four people.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Abalone | 4 pieces | Soak overnight if dried |
| Sea Cucumber | 2 pieces | Rehydrate and clean thoroughly |
| Dried Scallops | 6 pieces | Soak in water until soft |
| Chicken Thighs | 2 pieces | Bone-in for richer broth |
| Pork Belly | 200 grams | Cut into thick slices |
| Shiitake Mushrooms | 8 pieces | Soak to rehydrate and remove stems |
| Bamboo Shoots | 100 grams | Sliced for texture |
| Jinhua Ham | 100 grams | Use a lean cut, diced |
| Ginger | 3 slices | Freshly sliced for aroma |
| Scallions | 2 stalks | Cut into sections |
| Shaoxing Wine | 4 tablespoons | For marinating and seasoning |
| Chicken Broth | 1.5 liters | Homemade or unsalted |
| Soy Sauce | 2 tablespoons | Light variety for color |
| Rock Sugar | 1 tablespoon | Adjust to taste for sweetness |
Preparation Steps
Begin by preparing the ingredients to build a solid foundation for your dish. This stage is crucial for developing deep, layered flavors.
- Rehydrate Dried Ingredients: Soak the abalone, sea cucumber, dried scallops, and shiitake mushrooms in separate bowls of cold water for at least 8 hours or overnight. Change the water periodically to remove impurities. Once soft, clean the sea cucumber by rinsing under running water and removing any internal parts. Slice the abalone and mushrooms into bite-sized pieces.
- Marinate the Meats: In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs and pork belly with 2 tablespoons of Shaoxing wine and a pinch of salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors. This step enhances tenderness and reduces any strong odors.
- Blanch the Ingredients: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the bamboo shoots, marinated meats, and rehydrated sea cucumber. Blanch for 3-5 minutes to remove excess fat and impurities. Drain and set aside. This ensures a clearer, cleaner broth.
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s move to the cooking process, which involves slow simmering to meld the ingredients together harmoniously.
- Prepare the Broth Base: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ginger slices and scallions, sautéing until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the Jinhua ham and rock sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Layer the Ingredients: Carefully place the blanched meats, abalone, sea cucumber, scallops, and mushrooms into the pot. Pour in the remaining Shaoxing wine and soy sauce. Ensure the ingredients are fully submerged; add more broth if needed.
- Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 3-4 hours. Check occasionally to skim off any foam and maintain a steady, gentle bubble. The long cooking time allows the flavors to intensify and the textures to become tender.
- Final Adjustments: After simmering, taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt or a dash of soy sauce if desired. Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the flavors settle.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Buddha Jumps Over the Wall hot in individual bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro if preferred. Pair it with steamed rice to balance the rich broth. For an enhanced experience, enjoy it as a centerpiece during family gatherings, and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Embrace the art of Chinese culinary tradition with this recipe—it’s a rewarding journey that brings warmth and joy to any table. Happy cooking!