Lion's Head Meatballs

An authentic recipe for traditional Chinese Lion's Head Meatballs, highlighting tender pork and savory braised napa cabbage.

Level Medium Prep 30 min Cook 90 min Servings 4 Score 4.9/10

Ready in

120 min

Makes 4 servings

Prep 30m

Cook 90m

Level Medium

About this recipe

An authentic recipe for traditional Chinese Lion's Head Meatballs, highlighting tender pork and savory braised napa cabbage.

A traditional Huaiyang dish featuring giant braised pork meatballs served over a bed of melt-in-your-mouth napa cabbage.

In a large bowl, combine ground pork, chopped water chestnuts, minced ginger, scallions, Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, egg, and cornstarch. Mix vigorously in one direction until the meat mixture becomes sticky.
Divide the mixture into 4 large equal portions and shape them into large, smooth balls by tossing them gently between your hands.
Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot and lightly sear the meatballs on all sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, layer the bottom with thick chunks of napa cabbage, then place the seared meatballs on top.
Pour in the chicken stock and dark soy sauce, season with salt and white pepper.
Cover and simmer over low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours until the pork meatballs are melt-in-your-mouth tender and the cabbage is completely soft.
90 min

Calories 420

Protein 24g

Carbs 12g

Fat 30g

Fiber 3g

Sugar 5g

Sodium 680mg

Serving Size 1 serving

Prep 30 min

Cook 90 min

Total 120 min

Overall 9.3 /10

Expert 4.9 95% conf.

Reviewed by FindEdition Kitchen

An iconic Chinese comfort food masterpiece offering incredible tenderness and rich, savory broth flavors.

A traditional Huaiyang dish featuring giant braised pork meatballs served over a bed of melt-in-your-mouth napa cabbage.

Summary

An authentic recipe for traditional Chinese Lion's Head Meatballs, highlighting tender pork and savory braised napa cabbage.

Mix the pork mixture thoroughly in one direction to build structure and keep the meatballs tender
Do not skip water chestnuts; they provide a signature subtle crunch
Simmer on very low heat to ensure the meatballs stay intact and absorb the flavors slowly