Lion's Head Meatballs, a classic dish from the Huaiyang cuisine of China, is named for its resemblance to a lion's head. This traditional dish features large, tender meatballs made from a mixture of pork and vegetables, simmered slowly to perfection. The dish is typically served in a flavorful broth with Napa cabbage, making it both comforting and delicious. Whether served at a family dinner or a festive gathering, Lion's Head Meatballs are sure to impress with their rich flavors and unique presentation.
Ingredients Needed
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/4 cup water chestnuts, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Broth:
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 head Napa cabbage, chopped
Preparation and Serving Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, water chestnuts, green onions, ginger, garlic, egg, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture becomes sticky and cohesive.
- Wet your hands to prevent sticking, then shape the mixture into large meatballs, about the size of a tennis ball. You should get around 4-6 meatballs, depending on the size.
Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
- Gently place the meatballs in the skillet and brown them on all sides, turning carefully to avoid breaking them apart. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
Prepare the Broth:
- In a large pot, combine the chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the chopped Napa cabbage to the pot and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the cabbage starts to soften.
Simmer the Meatballs:
- Gently place the browned meatballs into the pot with the broth and cabbage.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to cook through.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more soy sauce or salt if needed.
Serve:
- Carefully ladle the meatballs and broth into serving bowls, making sure each bowl has a generous portion of both meatballs and cabbage.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped green onions or a drizzle of sesame oil if desired.
Tips
- Texture: For a softer, more tender texture, use a combination of ground pork and pork fat or finely minced pork belly.
- Binding: The cornstarch and egg help bind the meatballs and give them a smooth texture. Don’t skip these ingredients.
- Browning: Browning the meatballs adds extra flavor, but be gentle when turning them to avoid breaking.
- Broth: For a richer broth, use bone broth or homemade chicken stock.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground pork with a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Spicy Version: Add a bit of chili paste or fresh chili peppers to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
- Different Meats: You can also make these meatballs with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
Calories
A typical serving of Lion's Head Meatballs (one meatball with broth) contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the size of the meatballs and the ingredients used. This estimate includes the meatball, broth, and Napa cabbage.
Conclusion
Lion's Head Meatballs are a delightful dish that combines the hearty flavors of pork with the freshness of Napa cabbage in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day, this dish is versatile enough to adapt to various dietary preferences and can be modified with different spices and ingredients. Enjoy this traditional Chinese dish with your family and friends for a taste of authentic home-cooked comfort.
