Saucy Oriental Cabbage Balls
Savory Asian-inspired meatballs with cabbage, carrots, and ginger, simmered in a flavorful soy-sherry broth. Perfect for a comforting family meal or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef or chicken, shredded cabbage, beaten egg, minced green onion, milk, dry bread crumbs, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Shape into 1 1/2-inch balls.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake at 450°F for 15 minutes.
- In a pan, combine 2 tablespoons meatball drippings (discard the rest), diced carrots, and cook until soft.
- Add remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, grated ginger, sherry (optional), beef broth, sugar, and dissolved cornstarch mixture; bring to a boil.
- Add meatballs to the broth and cook, stirring, until heated through.
- Serve over rice if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free version, substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives. You can also use ground turkey for a leaner option. If you want to add more flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a splash of sesame oil to the meat mixture. For extra texture, you can mix in some chopped water chestnuts. This dish is reminiscent of other delicious Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These saucy cabbage balls are perfect served over a bed of steamed rice, which helps soak up the flavorful broth. Pair them with stir-fried vegetables or a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal. For a delightful experience, consider serving them alongside other Asian-inspired dishes like Teriyaki Steak Bites or Chinese Fried Dumplings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cabbage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out, cover, and heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave on a low setting, ensuring they stay moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Saucy Oriental Cabbage Balls contains roughly 830 calories, with 21g protein, 163g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (280% of the Daily Value), potassium (64% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1935mg per serving (84% 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 frozen cabbage for this recipe?
While fresh cabbage is recommended for optimal texture and flavor, you can use frozen cabbage if necessary. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mixing it into the meatball mixture to prevent sogginess.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance. Shape them and place them on a baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply bake and continue with the recipe as instructed.
What can I use instead of beef broth?
If you prefer, you can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. For a richer taste, consider using homemade broth or a low-sodium version to control the saltiness in your dish.
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).