How to Make Chinese Lion's Head Soup - A Step-by-Step Guide

Chinese Lion's Head Soup is a traditional dish that originated in the Jiangsu Province of China. It is a comforting and hearty soup that features large pork meatballs and a variety of vegetables, all cooked in a flavorful broth. The dish gets its name from the large size of the pork meatballs, which resemble the head of a lion.

The meatballs in Chinese Lion's Head Soup are typically made with a combination of ground pork, seasonings, and a binder such as egg and cornstarch. Once forme...

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
  • ¼ teaspoon monosodium glutamate (MSG) (Optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 green onions, chopped and divided
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 head napa cabbage, cored and cut into chunks
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups water, or as needed
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Mix the ground pork, egg, cornstarch, 2 teaspoons of sesame oil, ginger, monosodium glutamate, salt, and half of the chopped green onions together in a bowl. Use your hands to mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Set aside.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. When the oil is hot, fry the napa cabbage, stirring constantly, until cabbage begins to wilt, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, water, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to medium.
  • Use a spoon to form the meat mixture into 1 inch balls. Drop them into the boiling soup. When the last ball has been added, cover with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes. Taste, and adjust salt before serving. Garnish with remaining green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil.
  • Nutrition

    431 cal.

    • Total Fat: 34g
    • Saturated Fat: 11g
    • Cholesterol: 130mg
    • Sodium: 991mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 7g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 24g
    • Vitamin C: 33mg
    • Calcium: 120mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 649mg