Watercress Pork Balls
Tender pork balls studded with fresh, vibrant watercress. These light dumplings are gently simmered in a savory broth until cooked through, resulting in a comforting dish that balances the peppery bite of the greens with the savory richness of the meat.
Story
These delicate watercress pork balls are a beloved home-style dish in Guangdong cuisine. The key is handling the watercress gently—the leaves should be blanched just long enough to soften their raw edge without losing that signature peppery freshness. Serve them hot from the pot with a drizzle of the cooking broth.
Ingredients
watercress, tough stems removed
250g
ground pork (preferably with some fat)
300g
ginger, minced
1 tablespoon
shaoxing wine
1 tablespoon
sesame oil
1 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
white pepper
1/4 teaspoon
cornstarch
1 tablespoon
chicken stock or water
6 cups
Instructions
1
Prep the watercress
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the watercress and blanch for about 30 seconds until it turns bright green and just begins to soften. Immediately drain and plunge into ice water to stop the cooking. Squeeze out excess water and chop finely.
2
Mix the filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, blanched watercress, ginger, shaoxing wine, sesame oil, salt, white pepper, and cornstarch. Mix vigorously with your hands or a wooden spoon until the mixture becomes slightly sticky and holds together well.
3
Form the balls
Wet your hands with a bit of water to prevent sticking. Roll the pork mixture between your palms into golf ball-sized portions, about 2 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate as you go.
4
Cook the balls
Bring the chicken stock to a gentle simmer in a wide pot. Carefully drop the formed balls into the simmering liquid. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, skimming any foam that rises to the surface. The balls are done when they float and feel firm to the touch.
5
Serve
Ladle the cooked balls into shallow bowls. Pour some of the flavorful broth over the top. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with a few extra watercress leaves if desired.
