Here’s a classic Dim Sum Beef Meatball Recipe — soft, flavorful, and perfect for steaming or serving in a bamboo basket.
🥩 Ingredients (for ~12 meatballs)
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp white pepper (or black pepper)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp water
- 2–3 stalks green onion, finely chopped
- Optional: ½ tsp ginger, grated
For steaming:
- Napa cabbage leaves (to line the steamer)
For sauce (optional):
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, garlic, onion, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, pepper, cornstarch, and egg.
- Add 2–3 tbsp water to make the mixture a bit more tender.
- Mix gently but thoroughly — overmixing makes the meatballs tough.
2️⃣ Shape
- Wet your hands slightly and form 1.5–2 inch balls.
- Place on a plate lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves.
3️⃣ Steam
- Fill a steamer with water and bring to a boil.
- Place meatballs on cabbage leaves in the steamer basket.
- Cover and steam 12–15 minutes until cooked through.
4️⃣ Optional Sauce
- Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar in a small bowl.
- Drizzle over meatballs before serving or serve as a dipping sauce.
🔥 Tips for Authentic Dim Sum Texture
- Use a mix of beef and a little pork fat (if desired) for extra juiciness.
- Let the mixture rest in the fridge 30 minutes before shaping — helps firm up and blend flavors.
- Steam over medium-high heat; boiling water creates too much condensation.
- Line the steamer with cabbage or parchment to prevent sticking.
These meatballs are perfect for:
- Bamboo dim sum baskets
- Rice or noodle dishes
- Appetizers with dipping sauce
If you want, I can also give a crispy pan-fried variation that keeps them tender inside but gives a nice golden crust — very popular in Hong Kong-style dim sum.
Do you want me to do that?
