Four Joys Meatballs

Four Joys Meatballs

These savory, golden-brown meatballs are a delicious comfort food classic, packed with rich umami flavors and a sticky, tender texture. The secret lies in the technique—stirring the meat filling with egg, scallion, and ginger paste until sticky ensures a juicy bite, while breadcrumbs (or steamed bun crumbs) add the perfect binding. Pan-fried to a crisp exterior, the meatballs are then simmered in a fragrant blend of soy sauce, rock sugar, and bay leaves, creating a glossy, caramelized glaze. The slow stewing process melds the flavors into a deeply satisfying sauce that clings to each bite. Perfect as a main dish or paired with sides, these meatballs deliver a balance of sweetness and savoriness with a hint of aromatic warmth from ginger and bay leaves. A must-try for anyone craving hearty, homestyle cooking!

60 Minutes
Advanced
4 servings

Ingredients

Metric US
4 serving

Main Ingredients

🥩
meat
500g
🥩
steamed bun
2 pieces (optional substitute for breadcrumbs)

The aromatics

🧅
egg
2 large
🧅
scallion
2 medium (30g)
🧅
ginger
1 tbsp grated (10g)
🧅
breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (50g)

The sauce & seasonings

🧂
oil
3 tbsp
🧂
water
1 cup (200ml)
🧂
soy sauce
2 tbsp
🧂
rock sugar
1 tbsp
🧂
bay leaves
2 pieces

Instructions

1. Step 1

Step 1
Add egg to the meat filling and stir in one direction with scallion and ginger paste until the meat becomes sticky.

2. Step 2

Step 2
Add breadcrumbs and continue stirring. (If no breadcrumbs, you can use steamed bun crumbs instead.)

3. Step 3

Step 3
Shape into balls and pan-fry in oil until golden brown.

4. Step 4

Step 4
Remove the balls and leave some oil in the pan.

5. Step 5

Step 5
Add the prepared seasonings, excluding rock sugar and bay leaves, to the pan.

6. Step 6

Step 6
Add water, balls, soy sauce, rock sugar, and bay leaves, then stew over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens.

7. Step 7

Step 7
Serve, garnished with some side dishes if desired.

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