Chinese Meat Balls
Chinese Meat Balls feature savory ground beef mixed with cabbage and onions, seasoned with ginger and soy sauce, then shaped and fried to golden perfection, offering a flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat frypan at 300°.
- Put cabbage and onions through meat grinder, using coarse cutter.
- Combine ginger, salt, and soy sauce. Add to meat mixture.
- Mix well.
- Shape into balls about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in size.
- Fry in oil or shortening until done, browning well on all sides.
Tips & Substitutions
For a juicier meatball, consider adding a splash of water or broth to the mixture. If you don't have ground beef, ground pork or chicken can be great alternatives. To enhance the flavor, try adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like cilantro. Also, be sure to chop the cabbage and onions finely to ensure they blend well into the meat mixture. Serve these meatballs with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
These Chinese Meat Balls are delicious served on a bed of rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a hearty meal. They pair beautifully with Chinese Sweet And Sour Meat Balls for a delightful contrast in flavors. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce, like soy sauce or sweet chili sauce, to enhance the taste. Garnish with green onions for added color and freshness.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave until hot. This ensures they retain their flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Meat Balls contains roughly 59 calories, with 5g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables in the meatballs?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other finely chopped vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just make sure to keep the total amount of vegetables balanced with the meat to maintain the right texture. Adding different veggies can also give a unique flavor to the meatballs while keeping them moist.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with steamed rice, fried rice, or even noodles. For a lighter option, a simple vegetable stir-fry complements them nicely. You could also serve a side of dipping sauce or a salad for a fresh contrast.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
To ensure the meatballs are fully cooked, they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer. Additionally, they should be browned on all sides and firm to the touch. If they are still soft and squishy, give them a little more time in the pan.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).