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Best Easy Lion's Head Meatballs Recipe

Name: Best Easy Lion's Head Meatballs Recipe
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 350 g
Ingredients: ground pork 1.5 lbs; napa cabbage 4 cups; shiitake mushrooms 4 pieces; egg 1 piece; scallion 4 stalks; water chestnuts 1 cup; soy sauce 3 tbsp; Shaoxing wine 2 tbsp; sesame oil 1 tbsp; sugar 1 tsp; white pepper 0.5 tsp; salt 1 tsp; chicken broth 4 cups; cornstarch 2 tbsp

Oversized, tender pork meatballs are braised with napa cabbage in a clear broth until melt-in-your-mouth soft. This Shanghai family comfort dish delivers hearty protein and is perfect for freezer meal prep.

Cook 80 min Difficulty NORMAL 465 kcal

#protein-rich #Chinese comfort food #freezer meal #meal prep

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

ground pork 1.5 lbs
napa cabbage 4 cups
shiitake mushrooms 4 pieces
egg 1 piece
scallion 4 stalks
water chestnuts 1 cup

Seasonings/Sauce

soy sauce 3 tbsp
Shaoxing wine 2 tbsp
sesame oil 1 tbsp
sugar 1 tsp
white pepper 0.5 tsp
salt 1 tsp
chicken broth 4 cups
cornstarch 2 tbsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 21 g 18%

Protein 28 g 24%

Fat 27 g 58%

Serving size 350g

Cooking steps

1

Finely chop scallions, water chestnuts, and shiitake mushrooms; mix with ground pork, egg, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, white pepper, sesame oil, salt, and cornstarch in a large bowl until thoroughly combined.
2

Form the mixture into 4 oversized meatballs, pressing firmly to prevent them from falling apart.
3

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides (about 7–8 minutes), just until a light crust forms—do not fully cook through.
4

Arrange half of the napa cabbage leaves at the bottom of a Dutch oven or deep pot; place browned meatballs on top, then cover with remaining cabbage and pour in chicken broth.
5

Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then cover and reduce to low. Braise gently for 60–75 minutes until meatballs are extremely tender and the broth is infused with flavor. Serve hot with extra broth and napa cabbage.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?

Ground pork is the foundation of Lion's Head Meatballs, providing their signature juicy, succulent texture. Supporting flavors from scallion, shiitake mushrooms, water chestnuts, and napa cabbage round out the dish and give it its Shanghai identity.

Q. How do you keep the meatballs tender without falling apart?

Mixing in egg and cornstarch binds the mixture and enhances tenderness, while water chestnuts add moisture and crunch. Press the meatballs together firmly, then brown gently on medium heat before braising—this helps lock in their structure without overcooking.

Q. What’s the secret to melt-in-your-mouth meatballs?

The long, gentle braise in broth—about 60 to 75 minutes on low heat—slowly breaks down connective tissue, resulting in meatballs that are exceptionally soft but hold together. Avoid boiling or rapid simmering, as high heat can toughen the protein.

Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?

Each serving of Lion's Head Meatballs provides approximately 465 kcal and 28g protein. Protein makes up 24% of total calories, making this a hearty main dish.

Best Easy Lion's Head Meatballs Recipe

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