Stuffed Fried Gluten Balls
Stuffed fried gluten balls are a classic Chinese dish, featuring fried gluten balls filled with a savory pork mixture. When simmered, the gluten becomes soft and flavorful, and the dish is complemented by tender baby bok choy, creating a deliciously layered flavor profile. This dish is perfect as the centerpiece for a family gathering.

INGREDIENTS
- 15 fried gluten balls
- 8.8 oz (250g) ground pork
DIRECTIONS
Prepare the Ingredients:
Prepare 15 fried gluten balls and 8.8 oz (250g) of ground pork. Chop 1 green onion and slice a small piece of ginger.
Mix the Pork Filling:
Place the ground pork in a bowl. Add ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp sugar, a pinch of pepper, 1 tsp cooking wine, 1 tsp light soy sauce, and ½ tsp sesame oil, then mix until well combined. Add 1 tsp cornstarch and continue mixing until the pork becomes sticky. Finally, stir in the chopped green onion.
Fill the Gluten Balls:
Using chopsticks, poke a hole in each fried gluten ball and carefully stuff the seasoned pork mixture into each puff until they're all filled.
Cook the Gluten Balls:
Heat some oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the chopped green onion, ginger slices, and 3 star anise. Stir-fry until fragrant. Pour in the 2 tsp cooking wine, 2 tsp light soy sauce, 1 tsp dark soy sauce, and 1 tsp sugar, then add water until it just covers half of the gluten balls. Bring to a boil.
Simmer:
Add the stuffed fried gluten balls to the pot and cook until they soften. Cover the pot, bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add the Bok Choy:
Once the gluten balls are soft and plump, add the halved baby bok choy. Stir for a few minutes until the bok choy is tender. Add more water if needed.
Thicken the Sauce:
Gradually stir in the cornstarch slurry in three parts to thicken the sauce. Once thickened, drizzle with a little sesame oil and cooking oil to enhance the flavor and color.
Serve:
Stir everything together one last time, then transfer to a serving plate. Enjoy your delicious stuffed fried gluten balls!