Preparation of pork meatballs

First, the basic practice of pork meatballs

Among traditional Chinese dishes, pork meatballs are loved for their delicious taste and rich nutrition. Although the method of making it is simple, there is a deep culinary skill involved. Below, we will introduce the basic method of pork meatballs in detail.

Preparation of Materials:

In order to make delicious pork meatballs, we need to prepare the following ingredients: 500 grams of ground pork, which is the main ingredient for making pork meatballs, the meat is tender and suitable for making meatballs; Appropriate amount of green onion, finely chopped, to enhance the flavor of the meatballs; 1 small piece of ginger, finely chopped, the spicy taste of ginger can remove the fishy smell of pork and increase the taste; 1 egg to increase the stickiness and texture of the meat filling; 50 grams of breadcrumbs can increase the taste and depth of the meatballs; 2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground white pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (soy sauce) to increase umami and color; 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to increase the fragrance; Appropriate amount of water to adjust the humidity of the minced meat.

After preparing all the ingredients, we can start making pork meatballs.

Step 1: Season the minced meat

First of all, the ground pork is placed in a large bowl so that we can make it easier to stir and season later. Next, add chopped green onions and ginger to the bowl, these seasonings not only add flavor to the meat filling, but also remove the fishy smell of the pork. Then, crack in an egg and add the breadcrumbs. Eggs can make the meat filling thicker and easier to form; Breadcrumbs add texture and depth to the meatballs.

Next up is the seasoning session. Add 2 teaspoons of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper, 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. These seasonings will give the meatballs a rich flavor. Finally, mix all the ingredients and seasonings by hand to ensure that the meat filling fully absorbs the flavor of the seasoning. This step is crucial as it directly affects the final mouthfeel and taste of the meatballs.

In the process of seasoning, we can add some water appropriately to adjust the humidity of the meat filling. Add the water in batches, stirring as you add until the ground meat reaches the right humidity and viscosity. In this way, the balls will be more tender and juicy.

Step 2: Stir the minced meat

Once the seasoning is done, we need to stir the meat filling further to increase its stickiness. Stirring should be done vigorously and in one direction, so that the fibers in the mincing are more tightly bound together, which improves the firmness and texture of the meatballs. Stir continuously until the mincing becomes sticky, so that the meatballs will be firmer and less likely to fall apart when they are formed.

In the process of stirring, we can also beat the meat filling appropriately, which can make the meat filling more vigorous, and the meatballs will be more elastic and chewy. However, be careful not to over-stir or beat the meat to avoid the meat filling becoming too tight and affecting the taste.

Step 3: Molding

When the mincing is stirred, we can start making the meatballs. Start by cleaning your hands to ensure hygiene. Then take an appropriate amount of minced meat and place it in the palm of your hand, gently press and rotate the minced meat with the index finger and thumb of your other hand to squeeze it into a round ball. In the process of squeezing, pay attention to keep the shape and size of the balls consistent, so that the balls will be more beautiful and attractive.

Depending on personal preferences and needs, the size of the balls can be adjusted. Generally speaking, home-made pork meatballs should be moderately sized to facilitate consumption and maintain the aesthetics of the meatballs. If you need to make larger meatballs, you can increase the amount of minced meat appropriately and adjust the strength and time of squeezing.

Step 4: Boil the meatballs

Once formed, it's time to start cooking the meatballs. Add an appropriate amount of water to the pot and bring to a boil, then gently place the prepared meatballs into the pot. Be careful not to make too much fire, so as not to affect the taste and appearance quality of the meatballs. When the water boils again, turn to low heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes.

In the process of boiling meatballs, pay attention to the heat and time control to avoid overcooking and causing the meatballs to become old or boiled. You can use a colander to gently stir the meatballs in the pan to prevent them from sticking together and affecting the aesthetics and taste quality.

Step 5: Remove and plate

When the meatballs are cooked, we gently remove them with a colander and place them on a plate lined with absorbent paper to remove the excess water, which will prevent the meatballs from affecting the taste and texture due to moisture. Then transfer the meatballs to the serving plate and arrange them neatly and enjoy the meal!

When plating, it can be arranged according to personal preferences and needs, making the whole dish more beautiful and tempting, and increasing your appetite! It can also be combined with some other ingredients such as green vegetables, tofu, etc. to cook more colorful dishes to meet the taste needs of different people!

2. Variants of pork meatballs

In addition to the traditional pork meatball recipe, we can also try some innovative variations to suit different tastes.

1. Tomato meatball soup

If you like sweet and sour flavors, then tomato meatball soup is definitely a good choice. First, the tomatoes are cut into cubes and boiled, which will bring out the umami broth of the tomatoes. Next, add the cooked meatballs to the soup and allow the meatballs to fully absorb the sweet and sour flavor of the tomatoes. Finally, add salt, pepper and a pinch of sugar to taste, and a simple and nutritious tomato meatball soup is ready. This soup retains the delicious taste of pork meatballs and incorporates the sweet and sour taste of tomatoes, and is loved by both adults and children.

When making it, you can also add some other ingredients such as tofu, mushrooms, etc., according to your personal taste, to increase the richness and nutritional value of the soup. Pay attention to the heat and time to ensure that the meatballs are cooked and the soup is rich.

2. Braised meatballs

If you like a sweet and salty braised taste, try the braised meatballs. First, cook the meatballs and remove them for later use. Next, add an appropriate amount of soy sauce, sugar, and ginger slices to the pan and stir-fry until the seasonings are well combined and take on a bright red color. Then, put the cooked meatballs in the pan and stir-fry so that the meatballs are covered with a layer of charred sauce. Finally, the juice is removed from the pot and you can enjoy the delicious braised meatballs. This dish is a dish with bright red colors and rich textures, which is loved by diners.

When making braised meatballs, pay attention to controlling the heat and time to avoid the sauce drying out or the meatballs getting too old and getting old. The amount of seasoning can also be adjusted according to personal taste to achieve the best taste effect.

3. Precautions and tips for making pork meatballs

There are some key considerations and tips that can help you make the perfect meatballs when it comes to making pork meatballs.

1. Flavor balance is crucial

Seasoning is one of the key links in making pork meatballs, which directly affects the taste and flavor of meatballs. When seasoning, pay attention to the amount of salt and light soy sauce, as well as the combination of other seasonings. The right amount of salt enhances the flavor of the meatballs, while light soy sauce adds umami and color. But too much salt and light soy sauce may mask the meatballs' original flavor or even cause them to taste too salty. Therefore, when seasoning, seasoning should be gradually added, and constantly taste and adjust to achieve the best taste and flavor.

You can also add some other spices such as pepper, five-spice powder, etc., according to personal taste, to add layers to the meatballs. But be careful not to add too much spice so as not to mask the delicious taste of the meatballs themselves.

2. Stir in the same direction

When stirring the minced meat, it is very important to stick to one direction for stirring. This will make the texture of the minced meat more uniform and improve the taste and texture of the meatballs. If you stir back and forth or change the direction of mixing, the fibers in the minced meat will be disrupted, which will affect the taste and formability of the meatballs.

To create a more delicate mincing, it is recommended to use chopsticks or a blender to quickly stir in one direction. During the stirring process, you can add some water or egg whites to increase the stickiness and texture of the meat filling. At the same time, be careful not to over-stir, so as not to become too viscous and affect the taste and formability of the meatballs.

3. Cook properly and well

It is also very important to control the heat when boiling the meatballs. If the heat is too large, it will cause the balls to burn on the outside and grow on the inside; If the heat is too low, the meatballs will boil apart or affect the taste and appearance quality. Therefore, it is recommended to use medium-low heat for cooking, and keep the water temperature stable and controlled within the appropriate range.

During the cooking process, you can use a colander to gently stir the meatballs in the pot to prevent them from sticking together and affecting the aesthetics and taste quality; You should also pay attention to the heat and time control to avoid overcooking the meatballs and causing them to become old or scattered. When the balls float on the surface of the water and the surface becomes smooth and elastic, they can be fished out for later use; If you need to cook further, you can mix and match according to your personal taste, and cook more colorful dishes to meet the needs of different people!

To make pork meatballs, you need to pay attention to the key aspects such as balanced seasoning, consistent mixing direction, and proper cooking temperature. You can also innovate and change according to your personal tastes to create delicious dishes that are more in line with your preferences! Hopefully, these precautions and tips will help you make more perfect pork meatballs!