Xian Zhu Neu Rou

Xian Zhu Neu Rou Recipe - Traditional Hong Kong Dish

Region / culture: Hong Kong | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 7 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Xian Zhu Neu Rou is a traditional Chinese dish that features tender minced beef balls served on a bed of soft bean curd sheets. This dish is bursting with flavor and is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

Xian Zhu Neu Rou has been enjoyed in China for centuries. It is a popular dish that is often served at family gatherings and special occasions. The combination of minced beef, water chestnuts, and aromatic seasonings creates a dish that is both comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

300 g minced beef
1 sheet dry bean curd
4 water chestnuts
0.5 dry tangerine peel
2 tbsp water chestnut powder
0.5 tbsp corn flour
1 stalk parsley (or spring onion)

Seasoning

2 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
0.5 tbsp sugar
4 tbsp oil
some pepper
some sesame oil

How to prepare

Break the bean curd sheet into pieces and deep fry in hot oil until bubbles appear.
Soak the deep-fried bean curd sheet in cool water until fully softened.
Remove from water and drain dry, then place on a plate.
Mix water chestnut powder and corn flour with approximately 50 ml of water.
Add seasoning to minced beef and stir until the beef becomes sticky.
Peel and wash the water chestnut, then finely dice it.
Soak the tangerine peel and mince it, and chop the parsley into small pieces.
Add the water chestnut solution, diced water chestnut, and minced tangerine peel to the beef mixture.
Gently stir the beef mixture until all ingredients are well combined, shaping it into balls.
Place the beef balls on top of the softened bean curd sheets and put the plate into a steamer.
Steam on high heat for 6 – 7 minutes, then serve with Worcestershire sauce.

Variations

For a vegetarian version of Xian Zhu Neu Rou, you can substitute the minced beef with minced tofu or mushrooms. You can also add in your favorite vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to deep fry the bean curd sheets until bubbles appear to ensure they are crispy and flavorful.

- Soaking the deep-fried bean curd sheets in cool water helps to soften them and make them more pliable.

- Mixing water chestnut powder and corn flour with water helps to bind the beef mixture together.

- Steaming the beef balls on high heat for 6-7 minutes ensures they are cooked through and tender.

Serving Suggestions

Xian Zhu Neu Rou can be served with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs well with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for Xian Zhu Neu Rou is steaming. Steaming the beef balls on top of the bean curd sheets helps to infuse them with flavor and keep them moist and tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have water chestnut powder, you can substitute with cornstarch. You can also use ground pork or chicken in place of minced beef.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to steam. This makes it a great dish for meal prep or entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Xian Zhu Neu Rou with chopped spring onions or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it on a decorative plate for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Xian Zhu Neu Rou pairs well with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of pickled vegetables. It also goes well with a glass of chilled white wine or green tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Xian Zhu Neu Rou in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply steam the beef balls until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Xian Zhu Neu Rou contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Xian Zhu Neu Rou contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Xian Zhu Neu Rou contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Xian Zhu Neu Rou contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Xian Zhu Neu Rou is a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

Xian Zhu Neu Rou contains soy and shellfish (oyster sauce), so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Xian Zhu Neu Rou is a nutritious dish that is rich in proteins and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

Summary

Xian Zhu Neu Rou is a delicious and nutritious Chinese dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful minced beef balls and soft bean curd sheets, it is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Xian Zhu Neu Rou. It was many years ago, during a trip to China with my husband. We were exploring the bustling streets of Shanghai, taking in the sights and smells of the vibrant city.

One day, we stumbled upon a small, hole-in-the-wall restaurant that was packed with locals. Intrigued by the delicious aromas wafting from the kitchen, we decided to venture inside and try some of the dishes. As we were perusing the menu, a friendly elderly woman approached us and recommended the Xian Zhu Neu Rou.

Curious, we ordered the dish and waited eagerly for it to arrive. When it finally came out, we were blown away by the tender, flavorful beef that had been marinated in a rich sauce. The meat practically melted in our mouths, and we couldn't get enough of it.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish myself. I asked the elderly woman for the recipe, but she simply smiled and shook her head. "It's a family secret," she said. But she did offer to show me how to make it, inviting me to come back to the restaurant the next day.

I was thrilled at the prospect of learning how to make this incredible dish. The next day, I returned to the restaurant and spent the entire morning watching the elderly woman prepare the Xian Zhu Neu Rou. She showed me how to marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and spices, and then fry it until it was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

I was amazed at how simple the recipe was, yet how incredibly delicious the end result turned out to be. I spent the rest of our trip to China practicing and perfecting the recipe, much to the delight of my husband.

When we returned home, I couldn't wait to share this newfound recipe with my family and friends. I hosted a dinner party and served the Xian Zhu Neu Rou as the main course. The dish was a hit, and everyone raved about how flavorful and tender the beef was.

From that day on, the Xian Zhu Neu Rou became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for special occasions, family gatherings, and even just for a cozy night in with my husband. It never failed to impress and satisfy.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with countless people who have all fallen in love with it just as much as I have. Each time I make the Xian Zhu Neu Rou, I am transported back to that small restaurant in Shanghai, where my culinary journey began.

I am grateful to the kind elderly woman who took the time to show me how to make this incredible dish. It has become a cherished part of my cooking legacy, one that I will continue to pass down to future generations. And every time I take a bite of the tender, flavorful beef, I am reminded of the sense of anticipation and excitement I felt when I first discovered this recipe.