Best 2 Oriental Meatballs Recipes

Oriental meatballs, also known as Lion's head meatballs, are a delicious and classic dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Originating from China, these meatballs are known for their unique flavor and texture, which is achieved through a combination of ground pork, ginger, garlic, and aromatics. Oriental meatballs can be steamed, fried, or baked, and are often served with a savory sauce or broth. If you're looking for a flavorful and versatile dish to add to your repertoire, oriental meatballs are an excellent choice.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SWEET AND SOUR MEATBALLS (ORIENTAL SWEET AND SOUR MEATBALLS)

Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Oriental Sweet and Sour Meatballs) image

This is one of my recipes I like to use for special occasions such as at my Christmas 'open house' and New Years Day buffet. It is a great addition to a buffet and is definitely a crowd pleaser at potlucks. I often prepare double batches of the meatballs, bake them in the oven, freeze on a cookie sheet and when frozen slip them into a plastic bag. This allows me to take out as many as I need for the meal I am preparing. Found this recipe hand written on a sheet of paper tucked in a cookbook picked up at a yard sale.

Provided by Gerry

Categories Meat

Time 50m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

1/2 lb ground beef (I use all ground beef)
1/2 lb ground pork
1 teaspoon white sugar
1/8-1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried ginger
3 teaspoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons tapioca starch or 2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 small onion, chopped fine (best minced or grated)
1/4 cup water chestnut, chopped fine (optional)
1/3 cup white vinegar
3/4 cup white sugar (You may wish to use less)
2 3/4 ounces tomato paste
1 tablespoon tapioca starch or 1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup water (I use the drained juice from one 19 ounce can of pineapple chunks plus water to equal one cup)
1 cup pineapple chunk, drained (I use one 19 ounce can of pineapple chunks)
1 green pepper, cut into small squares
1 red pepper, cut into small squares (optional)
1 carrot, cut into thin slices (I use more ...about 4)

Steps:

In large mixing bowl combine and mix: ground meat, sugar, black pepper, dry ginger, soy sauce, the tapioca or cornstarch, minced onion and(the water chestnuts if using).
Knead above for at least two minutes to insure proper marination, form into even sized balls.
Fry in oil and drain (I never fry my meatballs, I put them on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 for about twenty minutes or until done.).
Meanwhile make the Sweet and Sour Sauce: in sauce pot on medium heat whisk together vinegar, sugar, tomato paste, the tapioca starch or cornstarch, the cup of water (or water/pineapple juice mix) Bring to boil stirring while cooking. (I find using a whisk to stir works very well).
When mixture reaches boiling point add the meatballs and heat through.
Add the carrots, peppers and pineapple chunks and cook until vegetables are 'just done'. Do not overcook.
NOTE: This can be made ahead and refrigerated. It can then be quickly reheated in the microwave and kept hot in a Crockpot. This freezes well.
I also find cooking the carrots separately and then adding, assures they don't get overcooked.

ORIENTAL MEATBALLS

ORIENTAL MEATBALLS image

Categories Beef Appetizer

Yield 40-50 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 2

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb ground meat - 1/2 cup finely chopped water chestnuts - 4 scallions minced - 1/4 tsp salt - 2 tbs soy sauce - 2 tbs pineapple juice
SAUCE: 1 tbs instant beef bouillon - 1/4 cup packed lt br sugar - 2 tbs cornstarch - 1 tbs soy sauce - 2 tbs cider vinegar - 1/2 cup water - 20 oz chunk pineapple in juice

Steps:

combine meatball ingred in lg bowl & mx well - shape into 1" meatballs - arrange in 12x8" glass baking dish (2 qt) - stack extra meatballs (not great idea) around outer edge - cover c paper towel- micorwave on hi x 6 mins - uncover & re-arrange - bringing center ones to outside of dish - blot excess fat c paper towels - drain fat - recover c paper towel & microwave on hi 2-3 mins - set aside combine bouillon, br sugar, cornstarch, soy sauce, vinegar & water in 4 cup glass measure - stir in pineapple juice - microwave on hi uncovered x 2 mins - stir & microwave x 2 more mins until mix boils & thickens - stir in pineapple & leftover water chestnuts - pour sauce over meatballs & microwave on hi uncovered 2-3 mins until heated through serve c toothpicks

Tips:

Choose the right meat: Ground pork or chicken are the best choices for these meatballs, as they are both lean and flavorful.
Use fresh ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the meatballs will taste. If possible, use fresh ginger, garlic, and green onions.
Don't overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing will make the meatballs tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Form the meatballs into uniform sizes: This will help them cook evenly.
Brown the meatballs before simmering them: Browning the meatballs will help them develop flavor and prevent them from falling apart.
Use a flavorful sauce: The sauce is what will really make these meatballs shine. Choose a sauce that is flavorful and complementary to the meatballs.
Serve the meatballs hot: These meatballs are best served hot, right out of the pan. Enjoy them with rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables.

Conclusion:

Oriental meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a flavorful and unforgettable meal. So next time you're looking for something new to try, give oriental meatballs a shot. You won't be disappointed!