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Best Easy Red Cooked Lion's Head Recipe

Name: Best Easy Red Cooked Lion's Head Recipe
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 250 g
Ingredients: ground pork (preferably 70% lean) 1.5 lbs; water chestnuts, finely chopped 0.5 cup; green onions, minced 0.25 cup; large eggs 2 pieces; panko breadcrumbs 0.33 cup; Napa cabbage leaves 8 pieces; vegetable oil 2 tbsp; soy sauce 0.33 cup; Shaoxing wine 2 tbsp; sugar 1 tbsp; fresh ginger, grated 1 tbsp; white pepper 0.5 tsp; chicken broth 2 cups; sesame oil 1 tsp

Red cooked lion's head meatballs braised in soy sauce are a festive, protein-rich comfort dish. A family celebration classic with tender, savory flavor.

Cook 90 min Difficulty NORMAL 420 kcal

#high protein #mediterranean

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

ground pork (preferably 70% lean) 1.5 lbs
water chestnuts, finely chopped 0.5 cup
green onions, minced 0.25 cup
large eggs 2 pieces
panko breadcrumbs 0.33 cup
Napa cabbage leaves 8 pieces
vegetable oil 2 tbsp

Seasonings/Sauce

soy sauce 0.33 cup
Shaoxing wine 2 tbsp
sugar 1 tbsp
fresh ginger, grated 1 tbsp
white pepper 0.5 tsp
chicken broth 2 cups
sesame oil 1 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 15 g 14%

Protein 23 g 22%

Fat 28 g 64%

Serving size 250g

Cooking steps

1

In a large bowl, mix the ground pork, water chestnuts, green onions, eggs, and panko until well combined and tacky.
2

Add soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, ginger, white pepper, and sesame oil to the pork mixture, blending thoroughly without overworking the meat.
3

Shape the mixture into four jumbo-sized meatballs. Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat, then brown the meatballs on all sides for 5-6 minutes.
4

Line the bottom and sides of the pot with Napa cabbage leaves and gently nestle the browned meatballs on top.
5

Pour chicken broth around the meatballs, cover, bring to a simmer, then reduce to low heat and braise for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting occasionally.
6

Remove the lid and let the sauce reduce slightly for a concentrated glaze; serve hot in a shallow bowl with cabbage and sauce.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in Best Easy Red Cooked Lion's Head Recipe?

The signature ingredient is ground pork, which forms the substantial, tender meatballs that define this classic celebratory dish. Its richness is balanced by water chestnuts for crunch and Napa cabbage for sweetness.

Q. Which seasoning gives the dish its deep, savory color and flavor?

Soy sauce is the core seasoning, lending not only the rich, umami braising color but also the signature savory profile. Shaoxing wine and ginger enhance the aroma and depth.

Q. How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart during cooking?

Thoroughly mixing eggs and panko into the pork mixture ensures the meatballs hold together. Browning with care before braising and gentle handling are crucial for maintaining their shape throughout the long braise.

Q. What is the calorie and macronutrient content per serving?

Each serving (250g) provides about 420 kcal, with 15g carbohydrates (14%), 23g protein (22%), and 28g fat (64%), making it a protein-rich and satisfying main course.

Q. What cooking technique ensures the signature tender texture?

Low and slow braising after browning allows the pork meatballs to become exceptionally tender and juicy without drying out, while simmering in broth and soy sauce helps infuse deep flavor.

Best Easy Red Cooked Lion's Head Recipe

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