Tomato Lion’s Head Meatballs

Ingredients:

500 grams ground pork (preferably a 3:7 ratio of fat to lean meat for a more tender texture)
100 grams glutinous rice
1 egg
1 scallion, chopped
1 piece ginger, grated
2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt to taste
2 tomatoes
500 ml water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the glutinous rice: Rinse the glutinous rice thoroughly and soak it in a bowl with enough water for 30 minutes.
2. Process the meat filling: Place the ground pork in a bowl and add Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and salt. Mix well. Then, chop the scallion and grate the ginger, add them to the meat filling, and continue mixing until evenly distributed.
3. Make the meatballs: Drain the soaked glutinous rice and add it to the meat filling. Mix well. Wear disposable gloves and knead the mixture until the surface is smooth. Then, roll it into evenly sized round meatballs.
4. Steam the Lion’s Head meatballs: Bring water in a steamer to a boil. Place the meatballs on a steamer rack, cover the pot, and steam for 30 minutes.
5. Make the tomato sauce: While the Lion’s Head meatballs are steaming, wash the tomatoes and cut them into chunks. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the tomato chunks until soft and translucent.
6. Braise the Lion’s Head meatballs: Transfer the steamed meatballs to the tomato sauce. Add enough water to submerge the meatballs. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 30 minutes.
7. Finish and serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are cooked through, turn off the heat and serve.

Tips:

For juicier Lion’s Head meatballs, add a small amount of fatty pork.
Soak the glutinous rice in advance to ensure it cooks through properly.
Maintain a moderate heat when braising the meatballs to prevent them from falling apart.
Add chili peppers to taste for a spicy kick.

Additional suggestions:

Adjust the seasoning ratio according to your preferences.
Use frozen glutinous rice if you don’t have time to soak it.
Pan-fry the meatballs until golden brown before braising for added flavor.
Enjoy the Lion’s Head meatballs with rice, noodles, or steamed buns.

I hope you enjoy making and savoring these delicious Tomato Lion’s Head Meatballs!