Chinese lion's head meatballs recipe for six
Recipe shopping list — copy the items into Valedo.
This recipe makes six large Shanghai-style pork meatballs. Serve them with steamed rice and the braising cabbage.
Ingredients
Ground pork
2 pounds
Napa cabbage
1 large head
Jasmine rice
3 cups
Water chestnuts
8 ounces
Scallions
5
Fresh ginger
2 inch piece
Egg
1
Cornstarch
3 tablespoons
Light soy sauce
3 tablespoons
Shaoxing wine
2 tablespoons
Toasted sesame oil
2 teaspoons
Chicken broth
4 cups
White pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Bok choy
4 small heads
How to make it
- Cook rice and set aside. 2. Mix pork, chopped water chestnuts, scallions, ginger, egg, cornstarch, soy sauce, wine, sesame oil, and white pepper. 3. Shape into six large meatballs and brown them in a wide pot. 4. Layer napa cabbage in the pot and add broth. 5. Cover and braise gently until meatballs are cooked through and cabbage is tender. 6. Add bok choy for the final few minutes and serve with rice.
Who this list is for
This checklist is for cooks making Shanghai-style lion’s head meatballs for six. It’s ideal if you want to serve a traditional Chinese meal with large, tender pork meatballs, braised napa cabbage, and steamed jasmine rice. Use this if you’re planning a family meal or hosting friends who appreciate classic Chinese comfort food.
How to use this list
Work through the list in order. Start by buying 2 pounds of ground pork and a large head of napa cabbage. Gather jasmine rice, water chestnuts, scallions, ginger, and one egg for the meatball mix. Cornstarch helps bind the mixture. Light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and toasted sesame oil add depth. Chicken broth is for braising. White pepper seasons the mix. Bok choy rounds out the vegetables. Check off each item as you shop or prep, so nothing is missed.
Common mistakes
Don’t swap ground pork for leaner meat; the fat is essential for juicy meatballs. Skipping water chestnuts removes crunch. Don’t use regular cabbage instead of napa—it won’t braise as tender. Avoid omitting Shaoxing wine or toasted sesame oil; both are important for flavor. Using too little cornstarch can cause the meatballs to fall apart. Don’t forget to buy enough chicken broth for braising.
What is on this list
You’ll need ground pork, napa cabbage, jasmine rice, water chestnuts, scallions, ginger, one egg, cornstarch, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, toasted sesame oil, chicken broth, white pepper, and bok choy. Cross off anything you already have at home, especially pantry staples like soy sauce or cornstarch.
Before you cook
Wash and chop all vegetables first. Dice water chestnuts and mince ginger and scallions before mixing the meatballs. Have a large pot or Dutch oven ready for braising. Rinse rice before cooking. Set out all sauces and seasonings in advance. Once finished, store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate promptly.
FAQ
Who is "Chinese lion's head meatballs recipe for six" for?
This checklist is for cooks making Shanghai-style lion’s head meatballs for six. It’s ideal if you want to serve a traditional Chinese meal with large, tender pork meatballs, braised napa cabbage, and steamed jasmine rice. Use this if you’re planning a family meal or hosting friends who appreciate classic Chinese comfort food.
How should I use "Chinese lion's head meatballs recipe for six"?
Work through the list in order. Start by buying 2 pounds of ground pork and a large head of napa cabbage. Gather jasmine rice, water chestnuts, scallions, ginger, and one egg for the meatball mix. Cornstarch helps bind the mixture. Light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and toasted sesame oil add depth. Chicken broth is for braising. White pepper seasons the mix…
What should I skip or avoid with "Chinese lion's head meatballs recipe for six"?
Don’t swap ground pork for leaner meat; the fat is essential for juicy meatballs. Skipping water chestnuts removes crunch. Don’t use regular cabbage instead of napa—it won’t braise as tender. Avoid omitting Shaoxing wine or toasted sesame oil; both are important for flavor. Using too little cornstarch can cause the meatballs to fall apart. Don’t forget to b…
What is on the "Chinese lion's head meatballs recipe for six" list?
You’ll need ground pork, napa cabbage, jasmine rice, water chestnuts, scallions, ginger, one egg, cornstarch, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, toasted sesame oil, chicken broth, white pepper, and bok choy. Cross off anything you already have at home, especially pantry staples like soy sauce or cornstarch.
What should I know about before you cook?
Wash and chop all vegetables first. Dice water chestnuts and mince ginger and scallions before mixing the meatballs. Have a large pot or Dutch oven ready for braising. Rinse rice before cooking. Set out all sauces and seasonings in advance. Once finished, store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate promptly.
Related lists
For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.