How to Cook Pork Meatballs: Healthy and Juicy Lotus Root Steamed Meatballs
Why you’ll fall in love with these healthy steamed pork meatballs.
This is an innovative pork meatball recipe with a very light flavor profile. Yet the savory richness of the meat and the crisp tenderness of the lotus root ensure it’s anything but bland. With every bite, you’ll experience soft, juicy texture and a refreshing aroma—not greasy at all and packed with nutrition. Truly healthy pork meatballs! Best of all, the method is simple enough for beginners to master on their first try. Both adults and kids absolutely love them!
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Lotus root, carrot, ground pork, chopped scallions, ginger, cornstarch, light soy sauce, oil, salt, white pepper.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Pork Meatballs
Step 1: Preparing the Meatballs
Peel and wash the lotus root and carrot, then cut into small chunks. Process them in a food processor until finely minced. If you don’t have a food processor, you can chop them finely with a knife. Leaving some larger pieces will give the meatballs a crispier texture.
Step 2: Mix the Pork Filling Until Sticky and Smooth.
Place the ground pork in a large bowl. Add the prepared lotus root and carrot puree. Then add chopped scallions, shredded ginger (omit if you don’t like it), a little cornstarch (to make the meat more tender), salt, white pepper (to remove any gamey taste—use sparingly to avoid a spicy flavor), light soy sauce, and oil (key for tender pork meatballs).
Using chopsticks, stir in one direction until the mixture becomes sticky and cohesive. This ensures the steamed meatballs are springy, tender, and hold their shape.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs and Prepare the Steaming Sauce.
In a bowl, combine a moderate amount of soy sauce and warm water. Avoid using too much soy sauce, as the meat mixture has already been seasoned with salt to prevent it from becoming overly salty. Stir well to create the base sauce for the steamed meatballs. This sauce will enhance the flavor and richness of the meatballs during steaming. Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking, then shape the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs. Arrange the meatballs in the steaming sauce within the bowl.
Step 4: Steam the Pork Meatballs Until Juicy and Tender.
Add an appropriate amount of water to the steamer. Place the plate with the lotus root pork meatballs inside while the water is still cold. Cover the steamer. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and steam for about 25 minutes. After steaming, garnish with chopped scallions for enhanced aroma and an appealing color. The plump, round meatballs burst with savory flavor and juicy tenderness—a sight sure to whet your appetite!
These two meatball recipes are also well worth checking out：
Hakka Taro Pork Meatballs: Savory Pork Hides Sweet Taro
Chinese yam (nagaimo) Meatball Recipe
Tips for Cooking Pork Meatballs
Adding lotus root and carrot creates a balanced blend of meat flavor and nutrition. Avoid over-processing the lotus root—a slight texture enhances the bite. Carrots not only add fragrance but also give the meatballs a vibrant, appealing color!
Pork Meatball Recipe FAQ
Q1. Can I replace lotus root if I can’t find it?
Yes. You can use water chestnuts, shredded cabbage, or minced onions for similar crunch and moisture.
Q2. How do I keep pork meatballs tender instead of dry?
Add vegetables (like lotus root or carrot), a bit of oil, and mix in one direction until sticky. Do not over-steam.
Q3. Can I fry these meatballs instead of steaming?
Yes. You can pan-fry or air-fry them, but steaming keeps them softer and healthier.
Q4. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely. Shape the meatballs, freeze them, and steam directly without thawing—just add an extra 5 minutes.
This Lotus Root Steamed Meatballs recipe requires no frying or deep-frying—it’s hassle-free, healthy, and kid-friendly.
Give it a try and share this delicious dish with your family and friends!
