Crispy Fried Pork and Tofu Meatballs (Ganzha Wanzi)
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Chinese meatballs combine ground pork with tofu for a lighter, fluffier texture. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
Equipment
- 1 Wok or Dutch Oven For deep frying
- 1 Instant Read Thermometer To check oil temp and meat safety
Ingredients
- 250 g ground pork approx. 1/2 lb, 80/20 fat ratio preferred
- 50 g firm tofu approx. 2 oz
- 1 large egg
- 4 tbsp cornstarch or potato starch
- 1 inch ginger sliced
- 1 stalk scallion (green onion) cut into sections
- 1.5 tbsp Shaoxing wine divided use
- 0.25 tsp Chinese 13-spice powder or five-spice powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp MSG optional
- Neutral oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Make the ginger-scallion water: In a small bowl, combine sliced ginger, scallion sections, 1/4 cup water, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, and a pinch of salt. Squeeze the aromatics with your hand to release juices. Set aside for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, add the ground pork, salt, MSG (if using), 13-spice powder, and remaining 1/2 tbsp Shaoxing wine.
- Crack the egg into the pork and add 2 tbsp of the prepared ginger-scallion water (liquid only). Stir vigorously in one direction until the mixture becomes sticky and paste-like. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Smash the tofu into a fine mash. Add 2 tbsp of cornstarch to the meat mixture first, mix well, then add the smashed tofu and mix until fully combined.
- Heat oil in a wok to 350°F (175°C). Form meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Fry the meatballs over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they float and turn golden brown. Ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Drain and serve with Sichuan pepper salt or chili powder.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Estimate per serving):
Calories: 380 kcal | Protein: 22g | Fat: 28g | Carbs: 10g Disclaimer: Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. Garnishes and optional items are not included. Actual values vary. Allergens: Contains Egg, Soy (in Tofu). Gluten-free if using cornstarch and GF cooking wine.
Calories: 380 kcal | Protein: 22g | Fat: 28g | Carbs: 10g Disclaimer: Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. Garnishes and optional items are not included. Actual values vary. Allergens: Contains Egg, Soy (in Tofu). Gluten-free if using cornstarch and GF cooking wine.