Xiao's Special Meatballs Recipe

step 1

• STEP 1.1in a small bowl combine 4 tbsp cornflour + 40 ml water to make a smooth mixture.

step 2

• STEP 2.2 place 500 minced beef or pork in a large mixing bowl, add ½ tsp ground red pepper, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp cornflour water mixture, 2 finely chopped spring onions, 3 finely chopped slices of ginger, 1 tbsp oil and break 1 egg into the bowl.

step 3

• STEP 3.3 mix all the ingredients well together.

step 4

• STEP 4.4 take 1 tbsp of the mixture and roll to form a ball. Arrange all the meatballs on a plate.

step 5

• STEP 5.5 in a wok heat oil for deep frying. When hot add the meatballs one at a time and deep fry till golden.

step 6

• STEP 6.6 use a slotted spoon to remove and drain the balls.

step 7

• STEP 7.7 then place the fried meatballs in a saucepan, add 1 tbsp vinegar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 3 cloves of garlic sliced, 3 slices of ginger, 2 spring onions cut into halves, ½ tsp red peppercorns, 1 star anise, 1 tbsp sugar and 800 ml water. Stir well and bring to a boil.

step 8

• STEP 8.8 reduce the heat, cover the pan and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes.

step 9

• STEP 9.9 remove and drain the meatballs. Arrange them in a shallow wide bowl.

step 10

• STEP 10.10 strain the boiling liquid from the pan into a wok and bring it to a boil.

step 11

• STEP 11.11 add remaining 2 tbsp cornflour water mixture and stir till sauce thickens.

step 12

• STEP 12.12 pour the thick sauce over the meatballs, garnish and serve.