Description
A traditional deli dish representing Wuxi, Jiangsu. 'You Mian Jin' (ping-pong-sized fried wheat gluten balls) are poked with a hole, stuffed heavily with minced pork filling, and braised to melting perfection in a sweet-savory soy and sugar sauce. The gluten absorbs the meat umami and soup like a sponge.
Restaurants serving Pork-Stuffed Fried Gluten Balls (Rou Niang Mian Jin)
Researching
We are researching restaurants that serve this dish.
On this site you can check dictionary details and, later, places to buy or eat related items.
The Recipe section below is a general reference, not a recipe from the listed shops.
Recipe
Ingredients
- You Mian Jin(Chinese fried gluten balls)
- Minced pork
- Soy sauce
- Rock sugar
- Dark soy
- Cooking wine
- Scallion
- Star anise
Instructions
- [Authentic Recipe]
- Knead minced pork with minced scallion, ginger, salt, soy, sesame oil, egg white, and starch until sticky.
- Poke a small hole in Chinese 'You Mian Jin' (fried gluten balls) and compress the inside with your finger to make a cavity.
- Stuff the meat filling tightly through the hole.
- Heat oil; fry scallion and ginger for aroma.
- Add the stuffed gluten balls, soy, dark soy, rock sugar, wine, and star anise.
- Flood with water, cover, and braise on low for 20-
- mins until the balls wrinkle and completely absorb the broth.
- Add leafy greens, blast on high to reduce the glaze.
Learn more Spice, substitutes, tips
Key spices
Pork juices absorbed by the gluten、and Wuxi's signature rich、strong sweetness
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
Hollow out JP Abura-age (fried tofu pouches), stuff with meat, and braise sweet-salty
Pairing
White Rice (Sauce is perfect) / Oolong Tea
Trivia
Wuxi fried gluten was allegedly born by accident in a Qing Dynasty temple. Being hollow, it's perfect for stuffing. Today, it's an indispensable, auspicious round dish representing 'harmony' at Jiangnan Lunar New Year tables.
Eating tips & etiquette
Biting the hot gluten releases a gush of sweet-salty soup and pork juices from the sponge-like dough, filling your mouth. Because it has Wuxi's signature strong sweetness, it is the ultimate side for white rice.
Allergen
Pork, Wheat, Soybeans, Eggs, Sesame