Buddha’s Delight (Luohan Zhai)

Cooking StepsHow to cook Buddha’s Delight (Luohan Zhai) step by step

Cooking Process

1. 
   Step 1 Detail

   Pierce the fried gluten puffs through with chopsticks.

2. 
   Step 2 Detail

   Soak in hot water for a while until softened.

3. 
   Step 3 Detail

   Squeeze the water out of the gluten puffs with your palm.

4. 
   Step 4 Detail

   Prepare the carrot, snow peas, and baby bamboo shoot tips.

5. 
   Step 5 Detail

   Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms until rehydrated, wash and squeeze dry. Rinse the button mushrooms.

6. 
   Step 6 Detail

   Bring water to a boil, blanch the shiitake and button mushrooms for 2-3 minutes to remove oxalic acid, then drain and set aside.

7. 
   Step 7 Detail

   In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt and oil (this prevents oxidation and discoloration). Blanch the snow peas, carrot, and bamboo shoot slices for 1-2 minutes until the peas and carrot are just tender and the bamboo shoots lose their astringency. Drain and set aside.

8. 
   Step 8 Detail

   Heat oil in a wok, sauté the scallion, ginger, and garlic until fragrant.

9. 
   Step 9 Detail

   Add the shiitake and button mushrooms to the wok, stir-fry quickly over high heat. (Tip: Score the button mushrooms with a few cuts for better flavor absorption.)

10. 
    Step 10 Detail

    Add the prepared gluten puffs and stir-fry.

11. 
    Step 11 Detail

    Finally, add the bamboo shoot tips, snow peas, and carrot, toss everything together until fragrant.

12. 
    Step 12 Detail

    Add 1 tsp oyster sauce.

13. 
    Step 13 Detail

    Add 1 tsp light soy sauce.

14. 
    Step 14 Detail

    Just before removing from heat, thicken with cornstarch slurry and adjust salt to taste.

15. 
    Step 15 Detail

    Delicious and savory — you wouldn’t trade it for meat!