Best Easy Pork Meatball and Napa Soup Recipe

Tender pork meatballs and soft napa cabbage float in a clear, savory broth. This protein-rich, healthy family soup is comforting, quick to prepare, and kid-approved.

Cook 40 min Difficulty EASY 285 kcal
#high protein #family meal #healthy soup #pork recipe
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • ground pork 12 oz
  • napa cabbage 4 cups
  • egg 1 piece
  • green onion 0.5 cup
  • chicken broth 6 cups
  • carrot 0.5 cup
  • water chestnut 0.25 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • soy sauce 2 tbsp
  • sesame oil 1 tsp
  • cornstarch 1 tbsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • white pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 10 g 14%
Protein 21 g 30%
Fat 16 g 56%
Serving size 340g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a large bowl, gently mix ground pork with egg, 1 tbsp soy sauce, green onion, water chestnut, cornstarch, 0.5 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp white pepper, and sesame oil until just combined; do not overwork.

  2. 2

    Form the pork mixture into small meatballs (about 1-inch in diameter) and set aside on a plate.

  3. 3

    Bring chicken broth to a gentle boil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then lower to a simmer.

  4. 4

    Carefully drop the meatballs into the simmering broth and let cook uncovered for 5 minutes, maintaining a low simmer to ensure juicy meatballs.

  5. 5

    Add napa cabbage and carrot to the pot. Continue simmering for 10–12 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the meatballs are fully cooked.

  6. 6

    Season the soup with the remaining soy sauce and salt to taste. Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Pork Meatball and Napa Soup recipe?
The star ingredient is ground pork, which gives the meatballs their rich, savory flavor and tender texture. Napa cabbage is equally essential, providing natural sweetness and softness to the clear broth. Together, they define the dish’s comforting taste and mouthfeel.
Q. How can I keep the pork meatballs tender and juicy when cooking this soup?
Be sure to mix the pork meatball mixture just until combined—over-mixing can make them dense. Drop the meatballs into gently simmering (not boiling) broth and avoid stirring vigorously. This gentle heat prevents toughness and helps lock in moisture.
Q. How do I avoid overcooking or undercooking the meatballs and napa cabbage?
Maintain a steady low simmer after adding the meatballs; cook for 5 minutes before adding vegetables to ensure even cooking. Add napa cabbage and carrot later so they soften just as the pork meatballs finish, resulting in perfectly tender cabbage and fully cooked, moist meatballs.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?
Each serving (340g) contains approximately 285 kcal, with 21g of protein, 10g of carbohydrates, and 16g of fat. The protein content accounts for about 30% of the total calories, making this soup a protein-rich family meal.
Q. Is this Pork Meatball and Napa Soup considered high in protein?
Yes, with each serving providing 21g of protein and a protein-to-calorie ratio of 30%, this soup is a great high-protein option, ideal for supporting balanced nutrition in a comforting, family-friendly meal.
AI 채팅 아이콘