Joudza(China)
Joudza is a savory Chinese pastry featuring shredded pork, bamboo shoots, and leeks encased in tender dough, fried until golden for a crispy, flavorful treat perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make 24 circles from the dough.
- Mix soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of salt into the shredded pork.
- Let the pork mixture stand for 10 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
- Add the pork mixture and cook for about 1 minute or until done, then remove.
- Set aside the cooked pork.
- Cook the leeks in 1 tablespoon of oil for about 1 minute, adding 1/4 teaspoon of salt, then remove.
- Add the cooked leeks to the pork mixture.
- Fry the bamboo shoots in 2 tablespoons of oil with 1/4 teaspoon of salt until lightly browned.
- Add the meat mixture to the bamboo shoots.
- Cook everything together for 5 minutes, then drain and cool.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with the sifted flour.
- Add hot water gradually to the flour and salt mixture, a tablespoon at a time, until a dough similar to pie crust forms.
- Roll a walnut-sized ball of dough into a 5-inch diameter circle on a floured surface.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of meat mixture in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the edges over the filling, sealing with a flour and water paste.
- Heat 1 pint of oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the filled pastries until golden brown and crispy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding chopped ginger or garlic to the pork mixture. If you don't have peanut oil, vegetable oil works fine as a substitute. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that perfect crispy texture. You can also experiment with different fillings, like ground pork and shrimp stir-fry, for a variation on this classic dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Joudza warm as an appetizer or a main dish. They pair beautifully with a spicy dipping sauce or soy sauce for extra flavor. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Uncle Ben's Wild Chinese Rice or a fresh salad. These delightful pastries are perfect for sharing at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness, rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Joudza(China) contains roughly 1734 calories, with 14g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 121g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (34% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1971mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a day. Just allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out and filling it.
What can I use if I can't find bamboo shoots?
If bamboo shoots are unavailable, you can substitute with sliced water chestnuts for a similar crunch. Alternatively, thinly sliced bell peppers or carrots can also work well in this recipe.
How can I ensure the filling stays moist?
To keep the filling moist, avoid overcooking the pork and leeks. Additionally, adding a splash of broth or a bit more soy sauce to the mixture can help retain moisture without compromising flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).