Chinese Lion's Head Meatballs

[itsmepat]

I recently tried making Chinese Lion's Head Meatballs, and they turned out absolutely delicious! These large, juicy pork meatballs are simmered in a flavorful broth with Napa cabbage, creating a comforting and satisfying dish. Here’s how you can make your own Lion's Head Meatballs at home:

Ingredients:​

For the Meatballs:​

• 1 lb (450g) ground pork
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Salt and white pepper, to taste

For the Broth:​

• 1 small Napa cabbage, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying meatballs)
• 1 cup water

Instructions:​

1. Prepare the Meatballs:​

• In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped green onions, egg, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, sesame oil, sugar, grated ginger, salt, and white pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
• Divide the mixture into 4-6 large portions and shape each into a round meatball.

2. Fry the Meatballs:​

• In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Cook the Broth:​

• In the same skillet or wok, add the chicken broth, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil.
• Add the chopped Napa cabbage to the broth and stir to combine.

4. Simmer the Meatballs:​

• Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them among the cabbage.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors have melded together.

5. Serve:​

• Serve the meatballs and cabbage hot, with some of the flavorful broth ladled over the top. Enjoy with steamed rice for a complete meal.

Conclusion​

Chinese Lion's Head Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together tender meatballs and savory broth with Napa cabbage. This traditional recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner and is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine in your own kitchen!

 

[LeeJung]

I'm curious, can I use ground turkey instead of pork for a lighter version?

 

[MashaBear]

Wow, Lion's Head Meatballs are such a comfort food classic! Love the blend of flavors—so hearty and cozy. Definitely adding this to my must-try list!

 

[johnlloyd]

View attachment 6821

I recently tried making Chinese Lion's Head Meatballs, and they turned out absolutely delicious! These large, juicy pork meatballs are simmered in a flavorful broth with Napa cabbage, creating a comforting and satisfying dish. Here’s how you can make your own Lion's Head Meatballs at home:

Ingredients:​

For the Meatballs:​

• 1 lb (450g) ground pork
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Salt and white pepper, to taste

For the Broth:​

• 1 small Napa cabbage, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying meatballs)
• 1 cup water

Instructions:​

1. Prepare the Meatballs:​

• In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped green onions, egg, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, sesame oil, sugar, grated ginger, salt, and white pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
• Divide the mixture into 4-6 large portions and shape each into a round meatball.

2. Fry the Meatballs:​

• In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Cook the Broth:​

• In the same skillet or wok, add the chicken broth, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil.
• Add the chopped Napa cabbage to the broth and stir to combine.

4. Simmer the Meatballs:​

• Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them among the cabbage.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors have melded together.

5. Serve:​

• Serve the meatballs and cabbage hot, with some of the flavorful broth ladled over the top. Enjoy with steamed rice for a complete meal.

Conclusion​

Chinese Lion's Head Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together tender meatballs and savory broth with Napa cabbage. This traditional recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner and is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine in your own kitchen!

Hey guys! I think these meatballs are amazing! The mix of pork and ginger really gives them that authentic flavor, though I like adding a little extra soy sauce for depth.