How to Make Lion’s Head Meatballs (Shīzi Tóu)



Test cook Dan Souza and Julia unlock the secrets to making perfect Shizi Tou (Lion’s Head Meatballs).

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35 Comments

  1. Reading through the comments they are generally positive. To those who criticize, feel free to create your own content. Secondly, like the US China is huge. Dishes change regionally and with family tweeks. Proof? Look at American BBQ. It is as diverse across the county as a tradition can be. Doesn't mean it's wrong or bad. Perhaps just different from where you are and how you grew up.
    I'm in the process of making this right now. No Napa cabbage available as we are in small town Texas. So, regular cabbage it is. I'm sure it will be great.

  2. Made these tonight. The meatballs were great, extremely tender and flavorful although I added a tiny bit more salt.

    The broth needed more salt as well, I also added some toasted sesame oil. It was a little weak without it.

    I also added a soft boiled egg to the top.

    I'd like to try different noodles. Rice noodles are pretty bland.

  3. I’m a BIG fan of America’s Test Kitchen but as a Chinese American… no no no no no. This meatball is way too tough. It should be soft, like maybe medium tofu. Really! Using the mixer had me shaking my head… it should be packed super loosely. Also, if you’re gonna go all the way, deep fry it first. The outside will have a thin crust!!!

  4. I just made this. And for me, I could use more fresh ginger and scallions in the meatballs, it needs that potency. Plus I ended up adjusting the broth after tasting with the addition of fresh ginger and a bit of sesame oil in the broth to round out get a fuller flavor from the broth.

  5. Oh~No!
    The step of adding the seasoning is wrong.
    Dry seasoning powder first.
    The liquid seasoning is the second step, and the oil last (oil prevents the meat from absorbing the seasoning flavor).
    In fact,We don't necessarily use baking soda, we use egg whites instead.
    祝各位用餐愉快。Bon Appetit!

  6. Made this tonight and was underwhelmed. 1/2 tsp of salt is not enough for 2 lbs of pork – especially if using low-sodium soy sauce. The ginger did not come through at all – that quantity could probably be doubled.

  7. I'm going to try this. It looks fairly easy to make and should taste very good.

    I would need a drizzle of toasted sesame oil though.

    Edit: I made them! This recipe is definitely going into the fall/winter rotation.
    If you're thinking about making this go ahead and try it.

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