Tips for Making Delicious Meatball Soup
Want to make a light yet flavorful Chinese-style pork meatball soup? Master these techniques for tender yet firm meatballs that hold their shape, paired with a light and flavorful clear broth. The chef shares practical methods to ensure juicy meatballs that stay intact and a clear, savory broth.
Some dishes seem neither difficult nor simple, yet often go wrong—meatball soup is one such example. When you crave something light yet nutritious, meatball soup comes to mind. But many struggle with it: meatballs fall apart, broth turns cloudy, and kids refuse to drink it. What to do? Check out this meatball recipe!
Today we’ll share the secrets to homemade meatball soup. No frills, no special ingredients. Follow this method for tender, springy meatballs and a clear, refreshing broth. Perfect for the whole family—especially seniors and children—and suitable for those managing blood pressure or blood sugar. A guilt-free, comforting soup.
First, let’s talk about preparing the ingredients. For this bowl of meatball soup, the meatballs are the heart, and the broth is the soul. The ingredients are actually quite ordinary, but how you use them makes all the difference.
Tips for Making Delicious Meatball Soup
| Ground pork | 300 grams |
| Egg white | 1 |
| Ginger | 2 slices |
| Scallions | 2 stalks |
| Salt | to taste |
| White pepper powder | a pinch |
| Cooking wine | 1 teaspoon |
| Light soy sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
| Broth or water | 1000 milliliters |
Steps for Making Light Meatball Soup
- Finely mince the ground meat. Combine with egg whites, cornstarch, ginger-scallion water, and all seasonings.
- Stir in one direction for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes sticky and elastic.
- Take a portion of the filling and shape into balls with your hands, making them as round and compact as possible.
- Fill a soup pot with water (or broth), add ginger and scallions, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Gently slide the meatballs into the pot one by one with a spoon, maintaining a light boil—avoid vigorous bubbling.
- Once the meatballs float to the surface, they’re fully cooked. Skim off any foam, add washed baby bok choy or other small leafy greens, and cook for 30 seconds.
- Before serving, sprinkle with chopped scallions and drizzle a few drops of sesame oil. How to make tender and smooth homemade meatball soup?
Tips for Meatball Soup That Doesn’t Fall Apart
1. Choose the right ground meat. Avoid lean cuts—meatballs will become dry and tough. A 2:8 fat-to-lean ratio is ideal. Never use pure lean meat.
2. Add egg whites. Use only egg whites, not yolks, for exceptionally tender and smooth meatballs.
3. Add starch. One tablespoon of cornstarch locks in juices and prevents the meatballs from falling apart in the soup.
4. Mince ginger and scallions as finely as possible. Strain the juice through cheesecloth and mix it into the meat mixture to reduce gaminess and enhance flavor.
5. Whisk vigorously. Using chopsticks, whisk in one direction for at least 5 minutes until the meat mixture becomes sticky and cohesive. Do not skip this step!
6. Finally, season with salt, light soy sauce, white pepper powder, and cooking wine. Mix thoroughly.
What should be noted when making meatball soup?
1. Before adding meatballs, the broth must be gently simmering. If it boils too vigorously, the meatballs will fall apart; if it’s too cool, they won’t set properly. Using stock (such as chicken or pork bone broth) enhances the flavor. If unavailable, plain water is acceptable, but add ginger slices and scallion segments to simmer briefly beforehand.
2. After adding the meatballs, simmer gently over low heat. Once all meatballs float to the surface, they are mostly cooked through.
3. The secret to perfect meatball soup: skim off the foam on the surface and avoid stirring too vigorously.
FAQ
Q:What health considerations should be noted for meatball soup?
Low-fat meatball soup has moderate fat content but is nutrient-rich. Egg whites boost protein, making it suitable for the elderly, children, those who exercise, or individuals managing sugar intake. Broth enhances flavor, but clear water with ginger and scallions is also healthy. Greens like baby bok choy, spinach, or napa cabbage add dietary fiber. Those with high blood pressure or blood sugar should reduce salt, aiming for a light, natural taste. Fancy some glutinous rice meatballs? Check them out.
