LION HEAD MEATBALLS

Lion Head Meatballs image

Provided by Lynn Dine @diner524

Number Of Ingredients 21

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MEATBALLS
1 1/8 pound(s) ground beef
1/4 cup(s) shaohsing rice wine or dry sherry
4 clove(s) garlic, finely chopped
2 sprig(s) spring onions, finely chopped
1 - egg, beaten
2 tablespoon(s) freshly grated ginger
2 tablespoon(s) light soy sauce
1 tablespoon(s) toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon(s) cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon(s) sea salt
1 pinch(es) freshly cracked white pepper
ASSEMBLY AND SAUCE
3 1/2 ounce(s) groundnut oil ( peanut)
2 1/2 cup(s) vegetable stock
11 ounce(s) chinese cabbage, quartered lengthwise from leaf to stem end
3 - dried chinese mushrooms, porcini mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms
1 tablespoon(s) light soy sauce
1 tablespoon(s) cornstarch, blended with 2 tablespoons cold water, optional
- sea salt and freshly cracked white pepper, to taste
2 large spring onions (green), sliced

Steps:

For the meatballs: Put the ground beef, rice wine, garlic, spring onions, egg, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper into a large bowl to combine, stirring in the same direction. Using wet hands, scoop a large mound of the ground meat mixture, and mold it into a ball. The size should be a little larger than a golf ball. Transfer the meatball to a plate and repeat with the remaining mixture.
For the assembly: Pour the groundnut oil into a large deep pan, and heat over a high heat. Using a metal ladle, carefully lower each meatball into the oil, and spoon some of the oil over the meatballs. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until browned.
Pour all but 2 tablespoons of oil into a heat-proof bowl. Add the vegetable stock to the pan. Arrange the quarters of Chinese cabbage around the meatballs, curving them lengthwise around the sides of the pan, then add the mushrooms, and soy sauce. Bring everything to a boil. Cover the pan, reduce its heat, and cook gently for 15 minutes. Add the blended cornstarch slurry, if using, and stir until the sauce thickens.
Remove the pan from the heat, and season with salt, and white pepper, to taste, and sprinkle over the spring onion slices. Transfer the dish to a warm serving platter, and serve immediately. Cook's Note: Steamed or glutinous rice is a perfect accompaniment to this dish.