Craving authentic, melt-in-your-mouth dim sum? Look no further! This recipe delivers juicy and tender beef meatballs, perfectly capturing the delightful flavors of traditional Cantonese cuisine. Forget dry, tough meatballs – these are infused with a secret blend of aromatic spices and a touch of sweetness that will leave you wanting more. We’ll guide you through creating a flavorful meatball mixture, ensuring each bite is a burst of savory goodness. The texture is paramount, achieving that perfect balance of tenderness and satisfying chew.
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey as we reveal the secrets to crafting these irresistible dim sum beef meatballs. From selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the delicate steaming technique, we'll walk you through each step, ensuring a successful and delicious outcome. Ready to create restaurant-quality dim sum in your own kitchen? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Cleaver (optional)
- Knife
- Mixing bowl
- Fridge
- Steamer
- Pot
- Deep fryer
Ingredients
- Ground beef (less than 8% fat)
- Salt: 1/3 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Chicken bouillon powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- White pepper: to taste
- Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
- Pork fat
- Jicama (or carrot, water chestnut, daikon radish): 1 1/2 ounces
- Cilantro (or scallions)
- Aged orange peel (or fresh tangerine peel)
- Tofu skin
- Tapioca starch (or potato starch, cornstarch): 1 ounce
- Baking soda
- Crushed ice
- Worcestershire sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Beef and Ingredients
- If using whole beef, grind it using a cleaver or meat grinder. Season with salt, sugar, oyster sauce, chicken bouillon powder, white pepper, and sesame oil. Mix well and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Dice pork fat, finely dice jicama (or substitute), finely chop cilantro (or scallions), and finely dice aged orange peel (or substitute). Prepare the fried and soaked tofu skin.
Step 2. Mix and Shape the Meatballs
- Combine baking soda and water. Add crushed ice to cool the solution.
- Add tapioca starch and the cooled baking soda solution to the beef, mixing until the liquid is absorbed. Add additional starch water if needed.
- Add the diced jicama, pork fat, and cilantro (or scallions) to the beef mixture.
- Roll the mixture into meatballs (about 65 grams each) and place them on a plate lined with the prepared tofu skin.
Step 3. Steam the Meatballs
- Steam the meatballs for 10 minutes.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve the steamed meatballs with Worcestershire sauce.
Read more: Easy Steamed Tofu with Shallot Sauce Recipe - Vegan Delight
Tips
- For the best texture, use fresh, lean ground beef (less than 8% fat).
- If you can't find jicama, you can substitute with carrots, water chestnuts, or daikon radish.
- If you don't like cilantro, use scallions instead.
- Authenticity relies on aged orange peel, but fresh tangerine peel is a good substitute if aged peel isn't available.
- Deep-frying and soaking the tofu skin improves its texture for steaming. If you'd prefer to skip this step, use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- The baking soda solution helps tenderize the meat, resulting in soft and juicy meatballs.
- Adding the other ingredients after mixing in the starch water helps maintain the juiciness of the meatballs.
Nutrition
- Calories: 200-250
- Fat: 8-12g
- Carbs: 15-20g
- Protein: 15-20g
FAQs
1. Can I use ground pork instead of beef?
While traditionally beef is used, you can substitute ground pork for a slightly different flavor profile. Adjust the seasoning to your preference as pork has a different fat content than beef.
2. How do I prevent the meatballs from becoming tough?
Gently mix the meatball ingredients, avoiding overmixing which can make them tough. Ensure the meat is properly chilled before forming the balls. Steaming, rather than frying, keeps them tender.
3. What can I serve these meatballs with?
These meatballs are delicious served with your favorite dim sum dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, ginger, and rice vinegar. They're also great alongside steamed rice or noodles.
Congratulations! You've now mastered the art of creating juicy and tender dim sum beef meatballs. These delectable morsels are sure to impress your family and friends, offering a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine right in your own kitchen. Enjoy the delicious rewards of your hard work!