{"id":4557,"date":"2025-11-17T10:52:20","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T15:52:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/104.236.198.25\/?p=4557"},"modified":"2025-11-17T10:52:22","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T15:52:22","slug":"winter-melon-meatball-soup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/omnivorescookbook.com\/winter-melon-meatball-soup\/","title":{"rendered":"Chinese Winter Melon Soup with Meatballs (\u51ac\u74dc\u4e38\u5b50\u6c64)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Winter season always calls for a soothing and comforting dish like my Chinese winter melon soup with meatballs. I prepare the winter melon from scratch and cook it in a fragrant broth until it is tender, with extra juicy pork meatballs that have a soft and delicate texture. It is one of my favorite simple 30-minute soups to warm up the colder months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Winter<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Winter melon has always been an staple vegetable in my family, especially during the colder months when fresh produce is limited. I grew up watching my mom turn a simple slice of winter melon into a soothing pot of soup, and that memory inspired me to create my own version with juicy pork meatballs. It definitely brings to mind the traditional soups I share in my collection of authentic Chinese soup recipes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a quick simmer and key Chinese ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and Shaoxing wine, I like how the winter melon softens and the pork meatballs absorb all the flavors, making this soup satisfying enough for a full meal on a cold day in New York.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will love how easy this Chinese winter melon soup is to make by following my step by step directions, from shaping the meatballs to simmering the broth and adding the winter melon. Everything cooks into a warm and fragrant bowl that is perfect for busy days when you want something nourishing. Do not just take my word for it, try it yourself and you will see what I mean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Winter<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ingredients<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For me, the ingredients are the heart of every recipe, and they must be high quality to achieve the authentic Chinese flavor I look for. Below I list all the ingredients I use to make this delicious Winter Melon Soup with pork meatballs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Winter<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Winter melon <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When I prepare winter melon for this soup, I use a knife to remove the seed part. Then I slice it crosswise to smaller pieces. I place each piece flesh side down and slice off the thick rind by cutting about 1\/4 inch (4 mm) deep, since you also want to remove the tough chewy part that’s close to the skin. Then I flip it seed side up and slice the winter melon into large bite size pieces about 1\/3″ (1 cm) thick, which simmer perfectly in the broth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Step-by-step<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Meatballs ingredients<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I get fresh ground pork from my local market and use it as the base, then I season it with Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, ginger, and a bit of salt. I also add egg white and a little water to keep the mixture soft, and finish with cornstarch so the meatballs stay tender without falling apart in the broth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pick your soup base<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

My mom like to use use homemade pork broth<\/a> because it creates a warm and savory foundation. Living in the US, I prefer to use boxed chicken broth due to its conveniency. Then I add a few slices of ginger and a pinch of salt. I like adding fresh cilantro for a bright touch at the end, but if you do not enjoy cilantro, a little extra ginger works just as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to make<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Make the meatballs:<\/strong> I combine all the meatballs ingredients mentioned above (except the cornstarch) in a medium sized bowl, then stir everything with a spatula until it is well mixed. Then, I add the cornstarch and keep mixing until the pork becomes pasty and sticky. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Cook the meatballs:<\/strong> I bring the broth and ginger to a boil, lower the heat, and shape the pork mixture into small balls using a spoon, dropping them into the pot one at a time. After they cook for a minute, I stir the soup gently and lift the meatballs out onto a plate. They should be cooked on the outside and still raw inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Cooked<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Cook the winter melon:<\/strong> Add the winter melon to the pot, bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and cook it for 6 to 8 minutes until it is almost tender and the edges look slightly semi transparent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Large<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4. Finish the soup:<\/strong> Add the meatballs back to the pot, bring the soup to a gentle boil, then turn off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes so the meatballs finish cooking and stay tender. Stir in the salt, taste the broth, and adjust the seasoning as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"meatballs<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

5. Serve:<\/strong> I add the cilantro right before serving and ladle the hot soup into bowls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Winter<\/figure>\n\n\n\t\t
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Tender and juicy meatballs every time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One thing I always keep in mind when making my Winter Melon Soup with Pork Meatballs is my moms tips listed below. She has cooked her whole life and believes the meatballs need to be very flavorful, tender, and juicy for the soup to taste its best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n