Lion’s Head Meatballs
EBT-Friendly: 100% of ingredients
Made by Christian
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A classic Chinese comfort dish featuring tender, juicy pork meatballs braised in a savory broth with soft napa cabbage. Named for their impressive size, these “Lion’s Head” meatballs are surprisingly easy to make and absolutely delicious served over steamed rice.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 green onion (chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp ginger (minced)
- 1 large egg white
- 4 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp shaoxing wine
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (to coat)
- neutral oil (for frying)
For the Broth
- 5 ginger (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 napa cabbage
- 2 cup water (or chicken stock)
- 1/4 cup light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.
Directions
- In a bowl, mix ground pork, chopped green onion, minced garlic, minced ginger, egg white, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, salt, and white pepper. Mix until all combined.
- Divide the mixture into 8–9 portions. Shape each into a large round ball (about 100g each). Lightly coat each meatball in cornstarch — this helps create a beautiful crust when frying.
- Heat neutral oil in a pot to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the meatballs and fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- To make the braising broth: In a large pot, lay napa cabbage and sliced ginger at the bottom. Place the fried meatballs on top. Pour in water or chicken stock, soy sauce, and sugar. Add more napa cabbage on top to cover the meatballs.
- Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 30 minutes, until the meatballs are tender and the cabbage is soft and flavorful.
- Garnish with extra chopped green onions. Serve hot by itself or with steamed rice.
Total Ingredients: 16 distinct items
EBT-Eligible: 100%
All ingredients are basic grocery staples including ground pork, fresh produce, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and napa cabbage.
