Curry Fish Balls (咖喱魚蛋)

Step 1

Use a mortar and pestle to pound the rehydrated shrimp until fine. Tip: Pound the shrimp in small batches rather than all at once.

Step 2

Remove the head of the daikon and double peel them (peel the first layer off, then peel off another layer). This step is vital for removing the bitterness and tougher layer found in the outer part of the vegetable.

Step 3

Cut the daikon into large chunks, roughly 5cm (2") wide.

Step 4

Bring 1L (4 US cup) of water to a boil and add the daikon in to blanch for 2 minutes to further remove the bitterness.

Step 5

Drain the water and daikon, then bring a fresh 1 L (4 US cup) of water to a boil with 1 1/2 tbsp sugar. Add the blanched daikon back in and cook for another 3 minutes, then pour all the contents into a bowl as you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 6

Pour the oil into a wok on low-medium heat. Test to see if the oil is hot enough by putting a wooden utensil (such as a chopstick) into it. If it bubbles, add the pounded shrimp in and brown for 5 minutes. If it doesn't bubble, wait until it does before adding the shrimp.

Step 7

Turn the heat up to medium and add the red shallots, ginger and garlic. Fry them for 3 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low and pour the curry powder, tumeric powder, curry paste, chu hou paste and sa cha sauce in and stir for 15 seconds.

Step 9

Pour the Shaoxing rice wine in around the sauce and stir for 15 seconds.

Step 10

Turn the heat up to high and pour the daikon in along with the water.

Step 11

Throw in the chili and bay leaves, then let it simmer and braise for 3 minutes.Note: If you prefer it spicier, you can stir fry the chili and bay leaves when you cook the sauces. This will help to bring out the spice.

Step 12

Pour the fried fish balls in and mix them through the sauce.

Step 13

Season with salt, oyster sauce and sugar and let it braise for another 15 minutes or until soft.

Step 14

Turn the heat to medium, stir the potato starch with water to make a starch slurry. When well combined, pour it slowly into the wok. Stir as you pour to avoid making clumps.Note: Adding the slurry is entirely optional and can be done according to your preference. If you like the sauce thicker, add more slurry in. If you prefer a thinner sauce, use less or skip it altogether.

Step 15

Serve immediately on bamboo skewers as is!