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Lions Head Meatballs in Broth

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A comforting and easy homemade meal featuring tender ground pork meatballs simmered gently in a savory broth with ginger, garlic, and greens.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground pork, preferably 80% lean
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped water chestnuts
  • 2 stalks green onions, finely sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry (optional)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) bread crumbs, plain or panko
  • 4 cups (950ml) chicken or pork broth
  • 2 cups baby bok choy or napa cabbage, roughly chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground pork, chopped water chestnuts, sliced green onions, grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (if using), beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until just combined.
  2. Wet your hands slightly and form the mixture into large meatballs about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, yielding 8 to 10 meatballs. Place them on a plate or tray.
  3. Pour chicken or pork broth into a large pot or Dutch oven and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  4. Carefully lower the meatballs into the simmering broth one at a time, avoiding overcrowding. Cook uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, maintaining a gentle simmer without boiling vigorously.
  5. About 5 minutes before the meatballs are done, add chopped baby bok choy or napa cabbage to the broth and stir gently to wilt the greens without breaking the meatballs.
  6. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Drizzle sesame oil over the meatballs and broth. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Use fresh broth if possible for better flavor. Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to keep them tender. Keep broth at a gentle simmer to prevent meatballs from breaking apart. Wet hands before shaping meatballs to prevent sticking. Do not overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary. Adding sesame oil at the end enhances nuttiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lion's Head Meatballs, Chinese meatballs, comfort food, ground pork recipe, easy dinner, homemade broth, ginger garlic meatballs

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/lions-head-meatballs-in-broth-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-meal/