Four Happiness Meatballs is a comforting Chinese classic that balances rich, savory pork with the fresh crunch of bok choy and water chestnuts. These large meatballs are pan-fried to develop a golden crust before being gently simmered in a fragrant sauce of soy, sherry, and ginger. The dish gets its name from the “four happinesses” represented by the ingredients, symbolizing good fortune. It’s a hearty side dish that pairs beautifully with steamed rice.
Four Happiness Meatballs
Description
Four Happiness Meatballs is a comforting Chinese classic that balances rich, savory pork with the fresh crunch of bok choy and water chestnuts. These large meatballs are pan-fried to develop a golden crust before being gently simmered in a fragrant sauce of soy, sherry, and ginger. The dish gets its name from the "four happinesses" represented by the ingredients, symbolizing good fortune. It's a hearty side dish that pairs beautifully with steamed rice.Directions
-
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, ginger, scallions, water chestnuts, salt, corn starch mixture, soy sauce, dry sherry, and egg.
-
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
-
Shape the mixture into 4 large meatballs.
-
Wash the bok choy thoroughly to remove any sandy particles, then cut crosswise into 2-inch sections.
-
Heat the cooking oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
-
Fry 2 meatballs at a time until both sides are browned, about 3 minutes per side.
-
Remove the browned meatballs and set aside, then fry the remaining 2 meatballs until browned.
-
Remove all but 2 tablespoons of oil from the wok.
-
Add the bok choy sections to the wok and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes over medium heat.
-
Remove the wok from the heat.
-
Line the stems of the bok choy in the bottom of a casserole dish or the wok.
-
Place the fried meatballs on top of the bok choy stems, then cover with the bok choy leaves.
-
In a small bowl, mix the remaining soy sauce, sugar, and dry sherry. Pour this mixture over the meatballs and vegetables.
-
Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
-
Cover and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
-
Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4 servings
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 278kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 16g25%
- Saturated Fat 6g30%
- Cholesterol 91mg31%
- Sodium 3727mg156%
- Total Carbohydrate 1g1%
- Protein 31g62%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
