Shi Zi Tou (Lion’s Head Meatballs) is a traditional Chinese recipe for a classic soft pork meatball that can be served simply in stock, or which also form the basis for other dishes. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Chinese version of: Lion’s Head Meatballs (Shi Zi Tou).
(click this button to prevent the screen from sleeping so Cook Mode is 'ON')
Shi Zi Tou (狮子头), Lion’s Head Meatballs, is a classic Chinese pork meatball recipe that uses breadcrumbs, water chestnuts, and aromatics to make super light, fluffy and juicy meatballs that are bursting with flavour.
Transfer the minced pork into a large bowl. Add 4 tablespoons of water and mix well with a spatula until the water is fully incorporated into the meat.
Add the Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, salt, sugar, grated ginger, cornflour, and minced spring onions. Mix thoroughly to combine then add the water chestnuts and eggs. Mix a few times then add panko, mixing thoroughly to combine. Now add in the sesame oil, mixing everything together until it forms a soft paste.
To cook the meatballs: Heat the oil in a wok over medium-high heat until hot. Reduce the heat to medium then use to cook the meatballs in batches. Scoop about 80ml (1/3 cup) of the meat and shape into a meatball; this should be very soft and will hardly hold together. If the meatballs are too hard to handle and cannot hold their shape, add a bit more panko and mix again.
Carefully place 3 to 4 meatballs in the wok, making sure to leave enough space to flip them. When the bottom side turns golden brown, carefully roll the ball with a spatula to cook the other sides. Continue to do this until at least two sides are set and browned.
Transfer to a deep plate or a bowl that can fit into your steamer rack. Continue to brown the rest of the meatballs.
To finish cooking, steam the browned meatballs in batches. Heat water in a steamer until boiling. Place the plate of meatballs on the steaming rack and place the steaming rack onto the steamer. Cook covered until the meatballs are fully cooked through, (about 30 minutes or so).
Cook the remainder of the meatball batches using the same method. After cooking the first batch, check the water level and add more boiling water if it runs too low.
)
Click on the image, above to submit to Pinterest.