15 Chinese Lion Head Meatball Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 20, 2024
If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, you may have come across the popular dish known as "lion head meatballs." These large, flavorful meatballs are a staple in many Chinese households and are often served during special occasions such as Chinese New Year or family gatherings. But what exactly are lion head meatballs and how can you make them at home? In this article, we'll dive into the history and origins of this dish and provide you with a professional and well-organized introduction to creating your own Chinese lion head meatballs.
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Carrot, Scallions, Almond Flour, Coconut
Lion's Head Meatballs are a classic Chinese dish that originated in the city of Shanghai. These large, tender meatballs are typically made with ground pork and Napa cabbage, and are slowly braised in a flavorful sauce until they are melt-in-your-mouth tender. The name "Lion's Head" comes from the shape of the meatballs resembling a lion's head, and it is said to represent strength and courage. This dish is a must-try for any meatball lover looking to add some Asian flavors to their repertoire.
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Braised "Lion's Head" Meatballs with Napa Cabbage
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Napa Cabbage, Enoki Mushrooms, Light Soy
This version of Lion's Head Meatballs incorporates Napa cabbage into the meat mixture, giving the meatballs an extra boost of flavor and adding some moisture to the dish. The Napa cabbage also helps to keep the meatballs tender and juicy as they cook. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion with friends.
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Lion's Head Casserole
Main Ingredients: Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Hot Water, Pork Butt
If you're looking for a dish that can easily feed a crowd, look no further than this Lion's Head Casserole. Instead of shaping the meat mixture into individual meatballs, it is formed into one large meatloaf-style shape and baked in the oven. This dish is perfect for potlucks, parties, and any other gathering where you want to impress with your cooking skills.
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Lion's Head Chinese Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Breadcrumbs, Eggs, Green Onions, Shaoxing
For those who prefer a more traditional preparation of Lion's Head Meatballs, this recipe is for you. These meatballs are made with ground pork, green onions, and traditional Chinese ingredients like soy sauce and rice wine. They are then simmered in a flavorful broth until they are tender and infused with all of the delicious flavors.
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Lion’s Head (Chinese Meatballs)
Main Ingredients: Pork, Water Chestnut, Salt, Cooking Wine, Minced
This recipe for Lion's Head Meatballs is similar to the previous one, but with a few small tweaks to make it even more delicious. Instead of using regular ground pork, this recipe calls for a combination of ground pork and ground beef, giving the meatballs a richer and heartier flavor. It also includes the addition of shiitake mushrooms for some extra umami goodness.
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Chinese Braised Lion’s Head Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Bamboo Shoot, Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce
In this recipe, the meatballs are braised in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar. The result is a dish that is both savory and slightly sweet, with tender and juicy meatballs that are bursting with flavor. This dish is perfect served over rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Instant Pot Chinese Pork Meatballs (Lion’s Head...
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Scallion, Large Garlic Cloves, Ginger
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy the deliciousness of Lion's Head Meatballs, this recipe is for you. These meatballs are made in the Instant Pot, which cuts down on the cooking time significantly. The result is still tender and flavorful meatballs that are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight 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 for Lion's Head Meatballs stays true to its Chinese roots with the addition of Chinese five-spice powder and dried shrimp. These ingredients add a unique and delicious flavor to the meatballs, making them stand out from other recipes. Serve these meatballs with some steamed rice and your favorite vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Lion's Head Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Sesame Oil, Dry Sherry, Ginger, Garlic
This recipe for Lion's Head Meatballs is a simplified version of the traditional dish, making it perfect for those who may not have access to all of the traditional ingredients. It uses ground pork, breadcrumbs, and a few simple seasonings to create tender and flavorful meatballs that anyone can make at home.
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Shanghainese Lion’s Head Meatballs.
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Sugar, Salt, Shaoxing Cooking Wine, Soy
This recipe for Shanghainese Lion's Head Meatballs is a classic and authentic version of the dish. It uses traditional ingredients like dried shiitake mushrooms, Chinese cabbage, and Shaoxing wine to create a rich and flavorful broth for the meatballs to simmer in. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or when you want to impress your guests with your culinary skills.
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Shanghainese Lion’s Head Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Sugar, Salt, Shaoxing Cooking Wine, Soy
This slightly modified version of the previous recipe uses ground turkey instead of pork for a lighter and healthier option. It also includes the addition of carrots and celery for some extra veggies and a touch of sweetness. Serve these meatballs over some steamed rice for a complete and balanced meal.
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Chinese Lion's Head Soup
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Egg, Cornstarch, Sesame Oil, Fresh Ginger
While most Lion's Head Meatball recipes involve braising the meatballs in a sauce, this recipe takes a different approach by using a clear broth. This soup is made with homemade chicken broth, tender meatballs, and Chinese cabbage, making it a comforting and nourishing meal. Serve it with some crusty bread for a hearty and delicious lunch or dinner.
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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 for Lion's Head Meatballs is a traditional and authentic version of the dish. It uses a combination of ground pork and shrimp to create tender and flavorful meatballs, and they are then simmered in a broth made with dried shiitake mushrooms, soy sauce, and Chinese cooking wine. Serve these meatballs over some steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Slow Cooker Lion's Head Meatballs With Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Scallions, Soy Sauce, Sugar, Shaoxing
If you're a fan of using your slow cooker for easy and hands-off cooking, this recipe is for you. These meatballs are made with ground pork, breadcrumbs, and Chinese five-spice powder, and are then cooked in a flavorful broth with collard greens. The result is a delicious and comforting meal that requires minimal effort.
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Shanghainese Lion’s Head Meatballs (a Teeny Bit Better)
Main Ingredients: Bok Choy, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, Salt, Ground Pork
This version of Shanghainese Lion's Head Meatballs is slightly healthier than traditional recipes, making it perfect for those looking to watch their waistline. It uses a combination of ground pork and ground turkey, and the meatballs are baked in the oven instead of being fried. Serve these meatballs with some steamed vegetables for a light and satisfying meal.
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Lion’s Head Meatballs (Shi Zi Tou, 狮子头)
Main Ingredients: Scallions, Ginger, Minced Pork, Minced Chicken
This recipe for Lion's Head Meatballs is a slightly simplified version of the traditional dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The meatballs are made with ground pork and a few simple seasonings, and are then cooked in a delicious broth made with chicken stock, soy sauce, and rice wine. This dish is perfect served over some steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Kelly’s Lion’s Head Casserole
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Soy Sauce, Scallion
This variation of Lion's Head Casserole adds a twist to the traditional recipe by using ground beef instead of pork. It also incorporates some vegetables into the meat mixture, giving the casserole some extra nutrition and flavor. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends.
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Vegan Lion’s Head Stew (素狮子头)
Main Ingredients: Firm Tofu, Mushrooms, Finely Chopped Carrot, Cashew
This recipe is a vegetarian and vegan version of Lion's Head Meatballs, using tofu and shiitake mushrooms to create a meat-free alternative. The meatballs are simmered in a flavorful broth made with vegetable stock, soy sauce, and Chinese cooking wine. Serve this stew over some rice or noodles for a satisfying and nourishing meal.
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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 for Lion's Head Meatballs is a smaller batch version, perfect for those cooking for just a few people. It uses ground pork, breadcrumbs, and some Chinese seasonings to create tender and flavorful meatballs that are perfect for any occasion. Serve them with your favorite side dishes for a complete and delicious meal.
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Lion's Head Meatballs with Chinese Cabbage
Main Ingredients: Bok Choy, Green Onions, Ginger, Large Egg, Pork, Salt
This recipe puts a spin on traditional Lion's Head Meatballs by adding some Chinese cabbage into the meat mixture. The result is a dish that is both healthy and flavorful, with tender and juicy meatballs and a delicious broth. Serve this dish with some steamed rice for a complete and balanced meal.
The Origins of Chinese Lion Head Meatballs
Chinese lion head meatballs, also known as "shi zi tou" in Mandarin, originated in the eastern Chinese province of Jiangsu. The name "lion head" comes from the large size of the meatballs, which resemble the head of a lion. This dish has been around for centuries and is believed to have been created during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). It was originally served as a luxurious dish for royalty and was made with expensive ingredients such as pork and various Chinese herbs and spices. Over time, the dish became more widely available and is now a popular comfort food in Chinese cuisine.
The Ingredients
To make Chinese lion head meatballs, you'll need a few key ingredients that are essential to the dish's flavor and texture. The main ingredient is ground pork, preferably with some fat content to keep the meatballs moist and juicy. Other common ingredients include water chestnuts, ginger, garlic, and green onions for added flavor and texture. Chinese five-spice powder, soy sauce, and rice wine are also commonly used to enhance the taste of the meatballs. For the filling, some recipes call for the addition of dried shrimp or mushrooms for an extra umami kick.
The Cooking Method
The cooking method for Chinese lion head meatballs varies, but the most common way is to first mix the ground pork with the other ingredients and form them into large meatballs. Some recipes call for steaming the meatballs, while others prefer to braise them in a flavorful sauce. The key to making these meatballs tender and flavorful is to cook them slowly over low heat, allowing the flavors to develop and the meat to absorb the sauce. Once cooked, the meatballs can be served with rice or noodles, or as a filling for steamed buns.
Whether you're looking to impress your guests with an authentic Chinese dish or simply craving a hearty and comforting meal, Chinese lion head meatballs are a must-try. With its rich history and delicious flavors, this dish is sure to become a regular in your household. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
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