15 Chinese Lion Balls Recipe Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
Chinese lion balls, also known as "lion's head" or "shi zi tou," are a staple dish in Chinese cuisine. These flavorful and tender meatballs are typically served during special occasions and festivals, but can also be enjoyed as a comforting home-cooked meal. Made with a combination of ground pork and fragrant spices, these lion balls are a must-try for anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons. In this article, we will delve into the history and traditional methods of making Chinese lion balls and provide a step-by-step recipe for you to recreate this delicious dish at home.
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Carrot, Scallions, Almond Flour, Coconut
If you love Chinese cuisine, then you're probably familiar with Lion's Head Meatballs. This dish is a classic and beloved dish in Chinese households, and it's no surprise why. These meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. But did you know that there are many variations of this dish? In this article, we'll explore the top 20 Beer Can Chicken recipes that you can make at home. Brace yourself for some mouth-watering options!
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Braised "Lion's Head" Meatballs with Napa Cabbage
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Napa Cabbage, Enoki Mushrooms, Light Soy
This recipe is perfect for those who want to add a bit of healthy greens to their meatballs. This version of Lion's Head Meatballs uses Napa cabbage as the main ingredient, adding a delightful crunch and freshness to the dish. The meatballs are braised in a rich and savory sauce, making it perfect for pairing with a bowl of steamed rice.
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Lion's Head Casserole
Main Ingredients: Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Hot Water, Pork Butt
If you're a fan of casseroles, then you'll love this Lion's Head Casserole recipe. This dish combines the classic flavors of Lion's Head Meatballs with the convenience and comfort of a casserole. The meatballs are cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce and topped with a layer of melted cheese. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
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Lion's Head Chinese Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Breadcrumbs, Eggs, Green Onions, Shaoxing
This recipe is a great option for those looking for a more traditional take on Lion's Head Meatballs. These Chinese-style meatballs are made with a combination of pork and beef, giving it a more robust and flavorful taste. The meatballs are then cooked in a savory broth, making it perfect for enjoying with a bowl of noodles.
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Lion’s Head (Chinese Meatballs)
Main Ingredients: Pork, Water Chestnut, Salt, Cooking Wine, Minced
For those who want a more simplified version of Lion's Head Meatballs, this recipe is perfect for you. Made with only a handful of ingredients, these Chinese-style meatballs are easy to make and incredibly delicious. The secret to its flavor lies in the seasoning, so make sure to use high-quality soy sauce and oyster sauce for the best results.
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Chinese Braised Lion’s Head Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Bamboo Shoot, Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce
This recipe takes Lion's Head Meatballs to the next level by braising them in a rich and flavorful sauce. The meatballs are cooked with a variety of Chinese spices and herbs, giving it a complex and delicious taste. This dish is perfect for those who want to impress their guests with an elevated version of the classic meatball dish.
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Instant Pot Chinese Pork Meatballs (Lion’s Head...
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Scallion, Large Garlic Cloves, Ginger
If you have an Instant Pot at home, then this recipe is a must-try. These Chinese-style pork meatballs are cooked in an Instant Pot, making it incredibly easy and convenient. The meatballs are tender and juicy, and the broth is packed with flavor. It's a fantastic option for a quick and delicious meal.
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Chinese Lion’s Head Pork Meatballs (狮子头)
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Shaoxing Wine, Light Soy Sauce, Dark Soy
This recipe is a classic and authentic version of Lion's Head Meatballs. Made with simple ingredients, these meatballs are full of flavor and have the perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. They are cooked in a rich and fragrant broth, making it perfect for enjoying with a bowl of steamed rice.
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Lion's Head Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Sesame Oil, Dry Sherry, Ginger, Garlic
This recipe is a variation of the classic Lion's Head Meatballs, but with a twist. Instead of using ground pork, this recipe uses ground chicken, making it a lighter and healthier option. The meatballs are still packed with flavor and are cooked in a savory broth, making it perfect for pairing with a bowl of noodles or rice.
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Shanghainese Lion’s Head Meatballs.
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Sugar, Salt, Shaoxing Cooking Wine, Soy
This version of Lion's Head Meatballs is a favorite in the Shanghainese region of China. The meatballs are made with a combination of ground pork and shrimp, giving it a unique and delicious taste. The meatballs are then cooked in a flavorful broth, making it perfect for enjoying with a side of steamed vegetables.
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Shanghainese Lion’s Head Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Sugar, Salt, Shaoxing Cooking Wine, Soy
If you're a fan of spicy food, then this recipe is for you. These Shanghainese-style Lion's Head Meatballs are cooked in a spicy and tangy sauce, giving it a fiery kick. The meatballs are tender and juicy, and the sauce is the perfect balance of heat and flavor. It's a great option for those who want to add some spice to their meals.
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Chinese Lion's Head Soup
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Egg, Cornstarch, Sesame Oil, Fresh Ginger
This recipe is a soup version of Lion's Head Meatballs, and it's perfect for those cold and rainy days. The meatballs are cooked in a rich and comforting broth, making it a fantastic option for a cozy and satisfying meal. The soup is packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a great choice for those who want a hearty and healthy dish.
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Lion’s Head Pork Meatballs (獅子頭)
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce
This recipe is a variation of the classic Lion's Head Meatballs that uses pork belly instead of ground pork. This gives the meatballs a more indulgent and luxurious taste. The meatballs are then cooked in a sweet and savory sauce, making it a perfect pairing with a bowl of steamed rice.
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Slow Cooker Lion's Head Meatballs With Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Scallions, Soy Sauce, Sugar, Shaoxing
This recipe is a great option for those who want a healthier version of Lion's Head Meatballs. Instead of using regular ground pork, this recipe uses lean pork and collard greens, making it a more nutritious option. The meatballs are cooked in a slow cooker, making it incredibly tender and flavorful. It's a delicious and guilt-free dish that you'll want to make over and over again.
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Shanghainese Lion’s Head Meatballs (a Teeny Bit Better)
Main Ingredients: Bok Choy, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, Salt, Ground Pork
If you're a fan of the classic Shanghainese Lion's Head Meatballs, but want to make it a bit healthier, then this recipe is for you. This version uses lean ground pork and adds a bit of vegetables to the meatballs, making it a well-rounded and nutritious dish. The meatballs are then cooked in a flavorful broth, giving it that classic Lion's Head Meatball taste with a healthier twist.
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Lion’s Head Meatballs (Shi Zi Tou, 狮子头)
Main Ingredients: Scallions, Ginger, Minced Pork, Minced Chicken
This recipe is a traditional version of Lion's Head Meatballs that uses only a handful of ingredients. The meatballs are packed with flavor and are cooked in a rich and savory broth, making it perfect for enjoying with a bowl of noodles or rice. This dish is a great option for those who want to make the classic Lion's Head Meatballs without too much fuss.
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Kelly’s Lion’s Head Casserole
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Soy Sauce, Scallion
This recipe is a twist on the classic Lion's Head Casserole. Instead of using ground pork, this version uses ground turkey, making it a healthier option. The meatballs are cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce and topped with a layer of melted cheese, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Vegan Lion’s Head Stew (素狮子头)
Main Ingredients: Firm Tofu, Mushrooms, Finely Chopped Carrot, Cashew
If you're a vegan or vegetarian, you don't have to miss out on the delicious flavors of Lion's Head Meatballs. This recipe is a vegan version of the classic dish, and it's just as flavorful and satisfying. The meatballs are made with a combination of tofu and mushrooms, and are cooked in a rich and fragrant broth. It's a fantastic option for those who want a plant-based version of this beloved dish.
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Lion's Head Meat Balls (About 9 Large Meat Balls)
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Spring Onion, Onion, Ginger Juice, Egg
This recipe is a great option for those who want to make a smaller batch of Lion's Head Meatballs. This version makes about 9 large meatballs, making it perfect for a small family or a few guests. The meatballs are packed with flavor and are cooked in a savory broth, making it perfect for pairing with a bowl of noodles or rice.
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Lion's Head Meatballs with Chinese Cabbage
Main Ingredients: Bok Choy, Green Onions, Ginger, Large Egg, Pork, Salt
This recipe is another option for those who want to add some greens to their Lion's Head Meatballs. This version uses Chinese cabbage as the main ingredient, giving it a fresh and healthy twist. The meatballs are cooked in a rich and flavorful broth, making it a great option for a comforting and satisfying meal.
The Origin of Chinese Lion Balls
The Legend of Lions and Meatballs
According to Chinese legend, the creation of lion balls can be traced back to a time when a village was plagued by a ferocious lion. The villagers, fearing for their safety, decided to create large meatballs in the shape of a lion's head to appease the beast. The lion, upon seeing the offering, was so pleased that it spared the village and left peacefully. From then on, the villagers continued to make these meatballs as a way to honor the lion and ensure their safety.
Historical Roots
While the legend of the lion and the meatballs may be just a story, the history of Chinese lion balls can be traced back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). During this time, meatballs were considered a luxury item and were often served at banquets for the wealthy. Over time, the dish became more accessible to the common people and evolved to include different variations and ingredients.
The Traditional Method of Making Chinese Lion Balls
Meat Selection
One of the key components of Chinese lion balls is the type of meat used. Traditionally, pork was the main protein choice, as it was readily available and affordable for most households. However, in modern times, other types of meat such as beef, chicken, and even fish have been incorporated into the recipe.
Seasoning and Shaping
To add flavor and moisture to the meatballs, a variety of spices and ingredients are added to the mixture. These may include ginger, green onions, soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch. Once mixed together, the meat is shaped into large balls resembling a lion's head, hence the name "lion balls."
Cooking Method
The traditional method of cooking Chinese lion balls is to braise them in a flavorful broth until they are fully cooked and tender. This slow cooking process allows the meat to absorb the flavors of the broth, resulting in a rich and savory dish.
Creating Your Own Chinese Lion Balls
Now that you have learned about the origins and traditional methods of making Chinese lion balls, it's time to try making them yourself! With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can recreate this iconic dish in your own kitchen. Impress your family and friends with this unique and delicious dish that is sure to be a hit.
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