Chinese Lion's Head Soup

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

Cabbage is simmered with home made pork meatballs in a light chicken broth. This is my family's version of lion's head soup and for me it is the best type of comfort food!

Ingredients

1 pound ground pork
1 egg
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
1/4 teaspoon monosodium glutamate (MSG)
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

Directions

1 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.
2 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.
3 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.