Pork-stuffed clams, deep-fried, simmered

6 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
24Clams
2slicesFresh ginger root
1Scallion stalk
1tablespoonSherry
½poundsLean pork
1tablespoonCornstarch
3tablespoonsSoy sauce
½teaspoonSalt
1tablespoonSherry
1teaspoonCornstarch
2teaspoonsWater
Oil for deep-frying
1cupStock
1teaspoonSugar
1teaspoonSoy sauce
2tablespoonsCornstarch
¼cupWater

Directions

1. Wash clams as in step 2 of "Basic Steamed Clams". Place in a deep heatproof bowl.

2. Slice ginger root; cut scallion stalk in 2-inch sections. Add to bowl along with sherry and steam as in step 3 of "Basic Steamed Clams".

3. Shell clams, reserving the shells. (Reserve the clam broth for soup.) 4. Mince or grind pork together with clam meat. Blend in cornstarch, soy sauce, salt and remaining sherry.

5. Stuff mixture into half-shells. Blend the second quantity of cornstarch to a paste with water; then, with fingertips, rub paste over the stufling to coat. (This will seal in the mixture.) 6. Heat oil. Carefully lower in clams, stuffing-side up, a few at a time.

Deep-fry, basting with hot oil, until golden. Drain on paper toweling.

7. Combine stock, sugar and remaining soy sauce; then bring to a boil, stirring. Add stuffed clams and simmer, covered, 20 minutes.

8. Blend remaining cornstarch and cold water to a paste. Transfer clams to a warm serving platter, leaving liquids in pan. Stir in cornstarch paste to thicken; then pour sauce over clams and serve.

NOTE: This Shanghai-style dish is served during the Chinese New Year.

From <The Thousand Recipe Chinese Cookbook>, ISBN 0-517-65870-4. Downloaded from Glen's MM Recipe Archive, .