four xi meatballs

How to Make Si Ji Wanzi (Four Joy Meatballs): A Complete Guide

Si Ji Wanzi, or "Four Joy Meatballs," is a classic Chinese dish symbolizing luck and prosperity. Here’s a simple guide to making this flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

500g ground pork (a mix of fat and lean), 4 boiled quail eggs, 200g water chestnuts (diced), 2 wood ear mushrooms (soaked and chopped), 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp white pepper, 1 egg, 3 tbsp cornstarch, and oil for frying.

Steps:

1. Prepare the filling: Mix ground pork with diced water chestnuts, wood ear, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, white pepper, egg, and cornstarch. Stir until sticky.

2. Shape the meatballs: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Flatten each portion, wrap a quail egg in the center, and roll into a ball.

3. Cook the meatballs: Heat oil in a wok. Fry meatballs over medium heat until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and drain excess oil.

4. Simmer: In a pot, add 2 cups of water, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then add the meatballs. Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes until tender.

5. Thicken the sauce: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water. Pour into the pot and stir until the sauce thickens. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

This dish combines savory, slightly sweet flavors with a tender texture, making it perfect for family gatherings!