Chinese Lion's Head Soup

4.6
(140)
103 Reviews
23 Photos

This is my family's version of lion's head soup and for me it is the best type of comfort food! It is best served with white sticky rice, and wonderful enjoyed on a cold winter day.

Submitted by Lei Lei Wyatt
Updated on January 4, 2022
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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 servings
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground pork

  • 1 egg

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil

  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root

  • ¼ teaspoon monosodium glutamate (MSG) (Optional)

  • 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.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

431 Calories
34g Fat
7g Carbs
24g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 431
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 34g 44%
Saturated Fat 11g 54%
Cholesterol 130mg 43%
Sodium 991mg 43%
Total Carbohydrate 7g 3%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 24g 48%
Vitamin C 33mg 37%
Calcium 120mg 9%
Iron 2mg 10%
Potassium 649mg 14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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