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Lion’s Head Meatballs

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Tender, oversized pork meatballs simmered in a savory broth with napa cabbage. A comforting and traditional Chinese dish packed with flavor and warmth.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground pork
  • 2 stalks green onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or apple juice)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/2 head napa cabbage, roughly chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Heat a skillet or wok over medium heat with a bit of oil.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground pork, green onion, ginger, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, egg, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper. Mix gently until combined.
  3. Heat oil in the skillet and line a plate with paper towels.
  4. Shape meat into large meatballs and sear on all sides until golden brown. Set aside.
  5. Layer napa cabbage in the skillet, place meatballs on top, and pour in the broth.
  6. Cover and simmer on low for 30 minutes until meatballs are tender and cabbage is soft.
  7. Adjust seasoning to taste and let rest a few minutes before serving.
  8. Serve hot with broth and cabbage, optionally with rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Use pork with some fat for best texture.
  • Do not overmix the meat mixture.
  • Wet hands before shaping meatballs to prevent sticking.
  • Simmer gently to keep meatballs intact.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 980mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Lion’s Head Meatballs, Chinese Meatballs, Pork Meatballs, Cabbage and Meatballs, Traditional Chinese Recipe