How to Make Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (佛跳牆)

How to Make Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (佛跳牆) – Step-by-Step
✨ The Ultimate Chinese Imperial Soup Full of Prestige, Depth, and Flavor ✨

Named for its legendary aroma that could supposedly tempt even a meditating monk to leap over a wall, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall is not just a dish—it's an experience. A luxurious, time-honored Chinese delicacy once reserved for royalty, this soup is a treasure chest of premium ingredients, slow-cooked into a broth that whispers of centuries of culinary wisdom.

Ready to cook a dish that’s rich in both flavor and history? Let’s go deep into this golden bowl of wonder.

🥢 Step 1: Gather the Ingredients – The Treasure Trove
This dish is famous for its premium components. Here’s a traditional mix, though it can be adapted based on availability:

Essentials:

4 dried abalone (rehydrated overnight)

2 dried sea cucumbers (rehydrated and cleaned thoroughly)

6 dried shiitake mushrooms (soaked in warm water)

1 piece of dried fish maw (soaked until soft)

4 pieces of dried scallops (soaked until plump)

4 chicken drumsticks or bone-in thighs

300g pork ribs or pork belly (blanched)

1 Chinese ham slice (Jinhua ham preferred)

4 quail eggs (boiled and peeled)

1 small piece of ginseng or angelica root (optional, for herbal depth)

For Broth:

8–10 cups of superior chicken stock (homemade or high-quality store-bought)

2 slices of ginger

Shaoxing wine

Salt to taste

🍲 Step 2: Layer the Flavor – Build the Base
Blanch the pork and chicken in boiling water for 2–3 minutes to remove impurities. Rinse clean.

In a heavy pot or double boiler, place the blanched meats, ham, ginger, and 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine.

Pour in the chicken stock and simmer gently for 1–2 hours. Strain for a clean, rich broth.

This umami-packed liquid gold is what ties every luxury ingredient together. Deep, savory, and comforting.

🧧 Step 3: Assemble the Pot of Good Fortune
In a large clay pot or ceramic soup jar (for authenticity), layer the ingredients:

Bottom layer: pork, chicken, ham slices.

Middle layer: rehydrated sea cucumber, abalone, mushrooms, and fish maw.

Top layer: scallops and quail eggs.

Slowly pour in the hot, strained broth until it just covers the ingredients. Every bite will absorb the broth's essence like a sponge of flavor.

🔥 Step 4: Slow Cook with Love
Seal the pot with a lid or foil and place it inside a steamer or double boiler. Steam on low heat for 4–6 hours. Yes, it takes time—but the result is divine.

As the hours pass, a fragrant mist fills your kitchen—rich with seafood, meat, and herbal sweetness. This is where the name comes to life.

🌿 Step 5: Final Touch – Serve with Reverence
Carefully open the lid (inhale deeply—you’ve earned it). Serve hot, with each bowl receiving a bit of everything: a piece of abalone, tender chicken, silky mushroom, and a spoonful of golden broth.

Optional garnish: a drizzle of Shaoxing wine, a sprinkle of cilantro, or a dash of white pepper for added depth.

💡 Pro Tip:
For modern convenience, you can pre-cook and freeze components like the broth or soaked seafood in advance. But for special occasions? Go all out—it’s worth every minute.

This is more than soup—it’s a culinary legend, a celebration of prosperity, tradition, and patience. Whether you’re impressing guests or just treating yourself to something extraordinary, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall is an unforgettable dish that tells a story in every luxurious sip.

Let me know if you want a simpler or quicker version of the recipe too, or one adapted for a modern kitchen!