Danny Kayes Lions Head Recipes

LION'S HEAD MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Soak the dried mushrooms in 2 cups hot chicken stock until partially softened, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the pork, egg whites, 3 tablespoons shao xing, soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sugar, sesame oil, 2 teaspoons salt and pepper with a wooden spoon, mixing thoroughly for about 3 minutes. Stir in the scallions and minced ginger. Form the mixture into 12 large meatballs.
• In a deep, heavy pot, add 4 inches of vegetable oil. Heat over medium-high until it reaches 375 degrees. With a slotted spoon, gently lower 3 or 4 meatballs into the oil and fry for 3 to 4 minutes, until they are deep golden brown but still raw in the center. Drain on a paper towel and repeat with the remaining meatballs.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place a large, heavy casserole over low heat and add the soaked black mushrooms and their liquid, the remaining 4 cups chicken stock, the ginger threads, 6 tablespoons shao xing, wine, vinegar, sugar and 1½ teaspoons salt. Increase the heat to medium and bring to a low simmer. Cook, uncovered, 15-20 minutes, until the mushrooms have completely softened and the broth is fragrant.
• Add the meatballs and return the broth to a simmer. Cover the casserole and place it in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are just cooked through. Remove the casserole from the oven and increase the heat to 450. With a slotted spoon, remove the mushrooms and meatballs to a large plate or bowl.
• In a medium bowl, toss the shiitakes with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and a generous amount of salt. Transfer to a baking sheet, tops facing up, and roast until golden brown, 7 to 8 minutes.
• When the black mushrooms are cool enough to handle, trim their stems with kitchen shears and discard. Dice the black mushroom caps into ½-inch cubes and return them to the casserole. Place the casserole over low heat, adjust the seasoning and, while stirring, gradually add the cornstarch-water mixture.
• Increase the heat to medium-high and lay the watercress into the simmering liquid, taking care to keep the stems facing the same direction and gently pushing down until the watercress is partially submerged. After a minute, as the watercress begins to wilt, use tongs to gently turn over. Cook another minute or so until just wilted. Remove from the heat.
• Arrange the watercress in warm shallow bows and distribute the meatballs and shiitakes on top. Divide the broth between the bowls, making sure to spoon some over the meatballs and shiitakes. Garnish with reserved scallions.

LION'S HEAD

Steps:

• Pound ginger and green onion with back of knife or cleaver.
• Put into a bowl with the water.
• Set aside 10 minutes.
• Strain green onion and ginger out of the water, reserving water.
• Put ground pork into a bowl.
• Add green onion and ginger water, sherry, 1 Tablespoon soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 Tablespoon cornstarch.
• Mix well with your hand in one direction.
• Form meat mixture into 4 large balls.
• Using your hands, lightly coat balls with dissolved cornstarch.
• Heat 4 tablespoons peanut oil in a wok.
• Fry balls one at a time until they are brown.
• Baste with hot oil to facilitate browning.
• Remove carefully and set aside.
• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in the wok.
• Stir-fry bok choy for 2 minutes.
• Place meatballs on top of fried bok choy.
• Add 2 tablespoons soy sauce and stock.
• Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
• Add sugar.
• Bring to boil for 2 minutes.
• If the gravy is too watery, thicken with a little cornstarch dissolved in cold water.
• Serve over steamed rice.

DANNY KAYE'S LION'S HEAD

Steps:

• Place the dried mushrooms in a mixing bowl and add hot water to cover; let stand for 20 minutes or longer until softened.
• In another mixing bowl, add the pork.
• Drain the mushrooms, squeeze dry, chop and add to the pork.
• Add the water chestnuts, ginger, scallions, garlic, grated orange rind, sesame oil, wine, soy sauce, salt, and cornstarch.
• Mix well and shape into 8 to 12 balls; set aside.
• Heat the oil for deep frying and add the meat balls.
• Deep fry until crisp and golden on the outside; drain well.
• Then place the meat balls in a steamer and steam for 20 to 25 minutes and serve on a bed of hot, steamed spinach or broccoli.