Bok Choy

Chinese Meatball Soup w/Bok Choy

February  6, 2015
5
1 Ratings
  • Serves 6
Author Notes

I had this many times when I lived in Beijing, and learned to love it for the full flavor and simplicity, as well as the fresh greens. Most places had their own recipes for the meatballs--this is a close version of one of my favorites. This makes a filling and very satisfying meal on it's own, or serve with spring rolls and fruit for a full dinner. —BeijingRose

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Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground lean pork
  • 1 head of garlic, peeled, chopped fine
  • 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped fine
  • 1/2 bunch green onions, chopped fine
  • 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes + pinch of salt
  • 1 lb angel hair pasta
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 Huaxing Yellow wine (found in Asian markets)
  • 2 cubes chicken bouillon
  • 3 small bunches of baby bok choy
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro,chopped, for garnishing
Directions
  1. Mix the first 7 ingredients in the list and form, with dampened hands, into firm balls. Set on a plate and place in the fridge to cool for a half hour. (NOTE: This is also quite tasty made with ground lamb. Beef is possible, but a little heavy. Vegetarians can use firm tofu)
  2. In a large soup pot put 2 quarts cold water, soy sauce,wine, bouillon and bring to a boil, Throw in the meatballs and cover and simmer on low for 30 minutes. Uncover and add the noodles during the last 10 minutes. Add the washed baby bok choy and simmer for 2 minutes, then just before serving, garnish with fresh, chopped cilantro.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

9 Reviews

Shannon P. February 3, 2022
I only had fresh taiwanese noodles and subbed those in for the angel hair--just a word of warning to anyone else considering a similar switch, use fewer noodles than 16 oz! (Maybe 8 oz?) They plumped up extraordinarily and slurped up all my delicious broth. Still a very tasty soup, but less...soupy...than expected! Flavor of everything is superb, though!
desireered April 21, 2020
What type of wine should I use if I don't have access to Huaxing Yellow wine?
back T. April 22, 2020
Dry sherry. Sometimes I also use white wine with one eye closed.
back T. January 25, 2018
Used 1/2 cup of wine, mix of beef and pork, De Cecco egg angel pasta, extra napa cabbage.
It was an easy recipe for nice result. Two bouillon cubes were too salty. Will make again with just one next time.
BeijingRose January 25, 2018
I do tend to like it salty, but that's just me! You caN also make it with thin flat noodles.
emcsull November 18, 2015
Well anyhow Beijing Rose these meatballs have changed my life thank you very much.
BeijingRose January 25, 2018
Its such an easy recipe,and authentic too! You can also use firm tofu crumbed, mixed with Chinese 5 spice blend, one egg and panko bread crumbs.
emcsull October 9, 2015
would this be half a cup of wine ?
BeijingRose January 25, 2018
Definitely! That's one of the things that gives the soup its special flavor!