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    The Life Jolie » Main/Entree » Cabbage and Pork Meatball Soup

    Cabbage and Pork Meatball Soup

    Published: May 11, 2017 · Modified: Jun 7, 2022 by Jessy Freimann · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Cabbage and Pork Meatball Soup is easy to make and full of great umami flavor! It's an Asian-inspired recipe that whips up pretty quickly and with savory, mouthwatering flavor! 

    A cozy bowl of Pork and Cabbage Meatball Soup

    This post contains Affiliate Links. For more information please see the disclaimer here.

    One thing you may not know about the blogging community, is that unlike many other industries it is extremely supportive and friendly. It's just that: a community. I find that the vast majority of other bloggers that I've been in contact with are so gracious and eager to help each other and collaborate.

    I am part of a small group of other bloggers friends on Facebook. We communicate on a daily basis and are there for each other through the peaks and valleys of our blogging journey (major takeaway: find your tribe!). It has been such a game changer for me as a blogger and as a person!

    A big pot of Cabbage and Pork Meatball Soup!

    I am extra excited to share that one of these friends has her first cookbook being published and released on May 23rd! Charmaine is the blogging mastermind behind the blog Wok and Skillet. She was born and raised in Malaysia and although she spent much of her life in the USA, she currently resides with her family in Penang, Malaysia once again.

    Charmaine has a wealth of knowledge about Asian cuisine, so it was no surprise when a publisher reached out to her to collaborate on a cookbook. And thus, The Healthy Wok Chinese Cookbook was born.

    A close up shot of a meat ball in the Cabbage and Pork Meatball Soup.

    Now I have actually been lucky enough to get to test a few of the recipes that are in this cookbook, and let me tell you- there is some major deliciousness happening here.

    I love to eat Asian food in general- there are so many different facets to Asian cuisine from a variety of different countries and I truly love this melting pot of flavors. Sadly, I don't cook in this style very often, but that has everything to do with the fact that I am a total newbie in this area and severely lack the knowledge to do justice to these fantastic dishes.

    Cabbage and Pork Meatball Soup with glass noodles.

    And that's another thing I love about this cookbook (which I was able to read recently). This book contains a slew of fantastic recipes- 88 to be exact, which Charmaine tells me is a lucky number in the Chinese culture! She provides a comprehensive guide to all facets of this style of cooking. In short, you're also getting a crash course in Chinese cooking from an expert!

    This Cabbage and Pork Meatball soup is the perfect lunch!

    Testing these recipes was such a fun experience for me and I absolutely fell in love with this soup that Charmaine has so graciously allowed me to share with you. The flavor is seriously off the charts in all of it's umami goodness. Those tender and delicious meatballs are not to be missed (side note, I never would have thought to include shrimp and pork together in a meatball- my mind was blown in the best way possible!).

    An overhead shot of Cabbage and pork meatball soup.

    The comfort-factor is at an all-time high and when I brought some of it to my Mom and Dad, they were pretty enthusiastic about the results! And the fact that it cooked up super quickly and easily also played a part in me practically begging Charmaine to share this recipe once the book because available to the public.

    This Cabbage and Pork Meatball soup will warm you right up!

    Now, The Healthy Wok Chinese Cookbook is officially available for pre-order! I strongly encourage you to scoop this cookbook up and get your cooking on!

    The cover of The Flaming Wok Healthy Chinese Cookbook

    This giveaway has ended but you can still purchase The Healthy Wok Chinese Cookbook- trust me- it's amazing!

    Even more exciting is that Charmaine has agreed to giveaway one (1) cookbook to a very lucky reader!

    Here are the details:

    Details: This giveaway will run through 5/18/17 and a winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email to obtain a shipping address.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Terms and Conditions: One (1) copy of The Healthy Wok Chinese Cookbook: Fresh Recipes to Sizzle, Steam, and Stir-Fry Restaurant Favorites at Home by Charmaine Ferrara ($14.97 value). The winner will be notified via email on or around 5/19/2017. This giveaway is only open to legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia who are at least 18 years old as of the date of entry, except anyone directly associated with The Healhy Wok Chinese Cookbook or The Life Jolie. This promotion is void outside the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, and where prohibited.

    Good Luck!

    Other cozy soup recipes that I love include:

    • Rosie’s Famous Zucchini Soup
    • Aunt Jeanne’s Cabbage Soup
    • Minestrone Soup
    • Chicken and Parmesan Soup with Spinach and Orzo
    • Best-Ever Tomato Soup
    • (Sort of) Detox Lentil Soup
    Square photo of Cabbage and Pork Meatball Soup

    Cabbage and Pork Meatball Soup

    Jessy Freimann
    With light, airy meatballs in a flavorful broth, this soup complements any Chinese meal. The minced water chestnut in the meatballs gives every bite a nice crunch. Serve with vermicelli or glass noodles for a complete meal. It’s perfect for cold weather, but can be enjoyed in any season.
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Cook Time 35 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 5 mins
    Course Appetizer, Entree, Main, Soup
    Cuisine Asian, Easy, Pork, Shrimp, Soup
    Servings 8 -10 bowls

    Ingredients
      

    For the pork meatballs:

    • ½ pound ground pork
    • ¼ pound minced shrimp 4 to 6 large shrimp
    • ¼ cup finely diced water chestnuts
    • 1 tsp. soy sauce
    • ½ tsp. sugar
    • ½ tsp. salt
    • Pinch ground white pepper
    • 1 ½ Tbsp. cornstarch

    For the soup:

    • 10 cups of Basic Chinese Chicken Stock page 25 of The Healthy Wok Chinese Cookbook, or store bought
    • ½ head napa cabbage cut into 1 inch pieces
    • 1 carrot sliced
    • 2 tsp. salt
    • 2 tsp. sesame oil
    • 2 tsp. soy sauce

    Instructions
     

    To make the meatballs:

    • In a bowl, mix the ground pork, shrimp, water chestnuts, soy sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, and cornstarch.
    • Set aside to marinate for about 15 minutes.

    To make the soup:

    • In a wok over high heat, bring the chicken stock to a boil.
    • Add the cabbage and carrot, and simmer for about 30 minutes.
    • Roll about 1 heaping tablespoon of pork mixture into a ball and continue until all the pork mixture is used.
    • Carefully drop the meatballs into the boiling soup one at a time. Avoid stirring.
    • As the meatballs cook, they will rise to the top. They will take about 3 minutes to cook through.
    • Add the salt, sesame oil, and soy sauce just before turning off the heat.

    Notes

    !Variation Tips:
    Wok-fry the meatballs before adding them to your soup for a different texture and flavor.
    Also, a few dried shiitake mushrooms will add a luxurious essence to the soup.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    This Cabbage and Pork Meatball Soup is easy to make and full of great umami flavor! It's an Asian-inspired recipe that whips up pretty quickly and with savory, mouthwatering flavor!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Char Ferrara says

      May 11, 2017 at 9:59 pm

      Thank you so very much for this post and your support! I truly value you and your friendship.
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 12, 2017 at 8:59 am

        I'm so glad to share it- that soup recipe is amazing and I will seriously be making it over and over!
        Reply
    2. Leigh G says

      May 11, 2017 at 10:21 pm

      I have made a few variations of Korean BBQ pork that I just absolutely love.
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 12, 2017 at 8:57 am

        Yum!
        Reply
    3. bn100 says

      May 14, 2017 at 11:37 pm

      beef and broccoli
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 15, 2017 at 1:31 pm

        My husband loves that!
        Reply
    4. Donna L says

      May 15, 2017 at 5:51 pm

      I love pork chow fun.
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 16, 2017 at 8:33 am

        Is it wrong that it's 8:30am and that sounds amazing to me right now?
        Reply
    5. Lauryn R says

      May 15, 2017 at 6:23 pm

      My favorite Asian inspired dish is chicken fried rice. I love Lo Mein but I have never tried making it myself before, this is definitely something I need to learn! :)
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 16, 2017 at 8:33 am

        Yum- a classic!
        Reply
    6. Sheila K. says

      May 15, 2017 at 6:25 pm

      I love pork lo mein!
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 16, 2017 at 8:32 am

        That's my daughter's favorite!
        Reply
    7. Audra says

      May 15, 2017 at 8:01 pm

      I love homemade egg rolls
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 16, 2017 at 8:32 am

        I'm sad to say I've never had homemade eggrolls, but I'd love to try them!
        Reply
    8. Cathleen King says

      May 15, 2017 at 10:08 pm

      So many to choose from...beef and string beans.
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 16, 2017 at 8:31 am

        Yum!
        Reply
    9. Marija says

      May 15, 2017 at 10:46 pm

      I enjoy stir fries of every kind!
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 16, 2017 at 8:31 am

        Me too- they make a great weeknight dinner!
        Reply
    10. Stephanie Shipley says

      May 16, 2017 at 6:21 am

      Sesame chicken is my favorite!
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 16, 2017 at 8:30 am

        I love Sesame Chicken!
        Reply
    11. Amy Nash says

      May 16, 2017 at 9:22 am

      My favorite dish is Honey Walnut Shrimp! But I'm definitely going to be trying this soup!
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 16, 2017 at 10:27 am

        I hope you love it!
        Reply
    12. Holly says

      May 16, 2017 at 11:06 am

      We are all about some stir fry....especially on clean out the fridge night!
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 16, 2017 at 1:47 pm

        Always a good idea!
        Reply
    13. Steph says

      May 16, 2017 at 11:40 am

      I love lettuce wraps
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 16, 2017 at 1:45 pm

        Yes! I love lettuce wraps!
        Reply
    14. Samantha Plotkin says

      May 16, 2017 at 12:21 pm

      I love Tofu Pad Se Ew best! And sushi, stir fries, curries.... Now I'm hungry :)
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 16, 2017 at 1:44 pm

        Me too!
        Reply
    15. Serena Powell says

      May 16, 2017 at 5:19 pm

      I'm a really big fan of Hunan Bean Curd!
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 17, 2017 at 8:18 am

        I've not had that but I bet it's delicious!
        Reply
    16. Serena says

      May 16, 2017 at 6:22 pm

      I am all about the spring rolls and egg rolls. But I love egg drop soup
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 17, 2017 at 8:16 am

        Comfort food :)
        Reply
    17. Betty Dennis says

      May 16, 2017 at 6:29 pm

      We were stationed in Korea and love bul gogi
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 17, 2017 at 8:16 am

        Oh wow, so you got to enjoy truly authentic Korean food- I'm jealous!
        Reply
        • Betty says

          May 17, 2017 at 9:35 pm

          So authentic we often weren't sure what we were eating. Life in the military did require moving often which allowed us to explore some very different cultures.
          Reply
          • Jessy says

            May 17, 2017 at 10:17 pm

            That sounds like my kind of travel eating! While I'm sure there were many challenges with moving so often, exposure to so much amazing food is absolutely a positive aspect! Thank you for your service :)
            Reply
    18. Juanita May says

      May 16, 2017 at 9:02 pm

      I make a really good sweet and sour, usually chicken.
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 17, 2017 at 8:15 am

        That's one of our family favorites, but I've never actually made it- I should try making it sometime!
        Reply
    19. MargaretAnn Rice says

      May 16, 2017 at 9:32 pm

      I love the almond chicken and fried rice
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 17, 2017 at 8:14 am

        Yum!
        Reply
    20. Sandy Cain says

      May 16, 2017 at 10:21 pm

      I love tofu that has been marinated in hoison sauce, stir-fryed with fresh veggies. Yum!
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 17, 2017 at 8:14 am

        Yum! I don't make tofu nearly enough!
        Reply
        • Sandy Cain says

          May 17, 2017 at 8:18 am

          I use the extra-firm, it tastes like barbequed chicken with the sauce - SO good!
          Reply
          • Jessy says

            May 17, 2017 at 8:20 am

            OMG- I'm seriously going to try this- thank you for sharing! I love tofu but Justin is such a picky eater that I tend to only order it at restaurants. I need to make this :) Thank you so much Sandy!
            Reply
    21. Elizabeth E says

      May 16, 2017 at 10:55 pm

      Pineapple cashew quinoa stir-fry!
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 17, 2017 at 8:13 am

        That sounds delicious!
        Reply
    22. Barbara K says

      May 17, 2017 at 9:55 am

      My favorite dish is stir fried rice with either shrimp chicken or pork. So good.
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 17, 2017 at 1:38 pm

        I agree- seriously so delicious!
        Reply
    23. Pat says

      May 17, 2017 at 10:38 am

      I like chicken and broccoli stir fry.
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 17, 2017 at 1:36 pm

        Me too!
        Reply
    24. Crystal Gregg says

      May 17, 2017 at 4:52 pm

      Spring rolls with spicy peanut sauce!
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 17, 2017 at 10:18 pm

        I could go for some right now!
        Reply
    25. Sarah Blake says

      May 17, 2017 at 8:34 pm

      I like to make fried rice but sub cauliflower!
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 17, 2017 at 10:18 pm

        Totally healthier- I love it! I do have a bag of cauliflower rice in the freezer right now...
        Reply
    26. kelley roach says

      May 17, 2017 at 9:42 pm

      .beef and string beans.
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 17, 2017 at 10:13 pm

        Yum!
        Reply
    27. LeAnn Harbert says

      May 17, 2017 at 10:37 pm

      I like sweet and sour pork.
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 18, 2017 at 1:42 pm

        Me too!
        Reply
    28. Leah Shumack says

      May 17, 2017 at 11:09 pm

      We do our own homemade egg rolls!
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 18, 2017 at 1:43 pm

        I wish I knew hoe to make eggrolls!
        Reply
    29. Rob says

      May 18, 2017 at 4:29 am

      I love my cool Teriyaki Salmon and Broccoli Bowls. –
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 18, 2017 at 1:42 pm

        Yum!
        Reply

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