Buddha's Delight Lo Han Jai

Before diving into the delightful world of Buddha's Delight Lo Han Jai, let's talk about what to serve alongside this intricate dish.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 15

Soaking Time: 30

Total Time 1 15

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Chinese

Servings

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

saucepan
Bowl

Ingredients

Dried Ingredients

12 dried red jujubes red dates: Sweet and nutritious.
50 g cellophane noodles 1 bundle: For a delightful chewy texture.
10 g dried wood ear mushrooms black fungus: For a unique crunch.
3 g dried black moss fat choy: Adds visual appeal and earthy flavor.
10 g dried lily buds lily flowers: Delicate yet flavorful.
60 g dried shiitake mushrooms approximately 10–12 pieces: Packed with umami.

Aromatics

3 spring onions scallions, trimmed: Fresh and mild.
5 cm piece of fresh ginger sliced: Provides warmth and zest.
2 garlic cloves smashed: Essential for depth of flavor.

Vegetables

1 medium carrot peeled and sliced: Sweet and crunchy.
½ small napa cabbage chopped: Soft and mild.
2 bunches of pak choi washed and halved: Adds color and crispness.

Braising Liquid

125 ml shiitake mushroom soaking water: Infuses rich flavor.
125 ml lily flower soaking water: Adds another layer of depth.
2 tablespoons Shaoxing rice wine or substitute with any rice wine, dry sherry, or ½ teaspoon clear vinegar for alcohol-free.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
1 teaspoon white sugar: To balance flavors.
2 tablespoons light soy sauce: A classic salty profile.
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce: For color and extra depth.

Remaining Ingredients

3 heaping tablespoons red fermented bean curd: Unique umami flavor.
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: Enriches the dish with nuttiness.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For cooking.
30 g gingko nuts or 60 g / 2 oz if preferred: Traditional and adds a nice texture.
100 g fried tofu puffs: Adds protein and heartiness.
1 small dried star anise—added for a subtle aromatic depth.

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing Dried Ingredients

Start by soaking the dried ingredients. In separate bowls, soak the shiitake mushrooms, lily buds, and black moss for about 30 minutes. The wood ear mushrooms should also be soaked until they soften. This has them ready for cooking and enhances their flavors.

Step 2: Preparing Fresh Ingredients

While your dried ingredients are soaking, prep your fresh ones. Chop the napa cabbage, carrot, and pak choi. Slice the ginger and garlic. This will streamline your cooking process.

Step 3: Stir Frying

In a deep wok or large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic, stirring for about a minute until they become fragrant. Toss in the soaked dried ingredients—shiitake mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, and lily buds—and stir-fry for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 4: Adding Vegetables

Now, add the chopped napa cabbage and carrot to the pan. Stir frequently until they soften slightly, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, add the pak choi. Keep cooking until everything is well-mixed.

Step 5: Mixing the Braising Liquid

In a separate bowl, mix together the soaking water from the shiitake mushrooms, lily flower, soy sauces, rice wine, sugar, and salt. Pour this mixture over your stir-fried ingredients.

Step 6: Adding Remaining Ingredients

Add the cellophane noodles and stir well to ensure they are covered in the braising liquid. Let it simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to meld beautifully!

Step 7: Final Touches

Towards the end, fold in the fried tofu puffs, red fermented bean curd, gingko nuts, and sesame oil. Cook for 5 more minutes. You want everything heated through and well-combined.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the Buddha’s Delight over a bed of jasmine rice or on its own. This dish is amazing hot but can also shine the next day as leftovers—if there are any left!

Notes

Soak Wisely: Make sure to soak your dried ingredients long enough. This enhances their flavors and textures.
Don’t Rush Cooking: Allow each ingredient to properly soften and absorb flavors during the cooking process.
Balance Flavors: Taste as you go. You may prefer more soy sauce or a hint of sweetness; adjust according to your taste.
Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Use what you have on hand!
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables not only enhance flavor but also add vital nutrients.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 12gFiber: 6gSugar: 5g

Keyword Buddha's Delight Lo Han Jai

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