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Home » Soup Stews Chili » Asian Meatball Noodle Soup

Asian Meatball Noodle Soup

11/18/2014 Updated: 11/05/2019 By Karrie 22 Comments

Recipe
Asian meatball noodle soup pinterest image

This Asian Meatball Noodle Soup is a healthy and quick weekday dinner.  Pork meatballs simmered in chicken broth with cabbage and topped with rice noodles, chili garlic hot sauce, and fresh cilantro.  A deliciously easy and comforting soup!

Bowl of Asian meatball noodle soup with chopsticks on side As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Once the cold weather creeps in, I start making soups.  Soups are one of the greatest inventions of all time. because it can be made in one pot.  One pot meals are pure genius.

I especially love a one pot Asian noodle soup.  With flavors are so clean and fresh, this chicken soup is really comforting on a cold, winter's day.

Super loaded with protein and healthy vegetables, it's an ideal addition to a healthy meal plan.

Close up photo of chopsticks in Asian meatball noodle soup

Delicious pork meatballs in a soup

This recipe is my version of the Chinese Lion's Head soup, but with a little extra somethin', somethin' (aka noodles).  I mix chopped cabbage in the meatballs, make them into smaller balls, and cook them directly in the broth.

Any type of Chinese cabbage (napa or bok choy) or a green cabbage can be used here.  Typically I use napa or bok choy in this recipe, but only had green cabbage on hand so I used it for both the meatballs and the soup.

Asian Meatball Noodle soup in a bowl

Be creative with this unique meatball soup

Feel free to add whatever veggies you want to the broth while the meatballs are cooking.  Thinly sliced or chopped carrots, red bell peppers, spinach, kale, and broccoli would all be great additions to this chicken noodle soup.

Use whatever is in season and in the refrigerator.  If you don't eat pork, change it to ground chicken or turkey.  Leave out the noddles if you want a low carb option.

Go crazy and make it your own.  I promise, I won't be offended.

Ingredients separated in a bowl for the Asian meatball noodle soup

Scooping the meatballs out of the broth for Asian meatball noodle soup

Tips for using and storing fresh ginger:

My ginger always goes bad before I can use it up, so I freeze it to keep it fresh.  All you do is put a whole piece of unpeeled ginger in a freezer proof bag or in freezer proof plastic wrap.

When you want to use it,  just grate it frozen on a Microplane Zester/Grater and when finished, wrap it up and put it back in the freezer.  No need to thaw or peel the ginger before grating.

I've kept fresh ginger in the freezer for up to 6 months with no problems.Close up photo of the noodles in Asian meatball noodle soup

So brave the cold winter by making some comforting Asian Meatball Noodle Soup and keep warm!  Please let me know in the comments how you like the soup and what different vegetables you used.

Close up of Asian meatball noodle soup with hot sauce and chopsticks on side of bowl

Asian Meatball Noodle Soup

Pork meatballs simmer in chicken broth with cabbage, topped with delicious rice noodles, chili garlic hot sauce, and fresh cilantro for a deliciously healthy and easy soup.
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Asian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 575kcal
Author: Karrie | Tasty Ever After

Ingredients

FOR THE MEATBALLS:

  • 1 pound ground lean pork
  • 2 cups green or Chinese cabbage, finely shredded and chopped
  • 2 green onions, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  • 2 tablespoon organic Nama Shoyu or regular soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper

FOR THE SOUP:

  • 2 cups green or Chinese cabbage, chopped
  • 8 cups homemade or pre-made chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon organic Nama Shoyu or regular soy sauce
  • 8 oz rice noodles, cooked according to package directions and rinsed well.
  • toasted sesame oil, to drizzle on top

optional: chopped cilantro and Thai garlic chili sauce

    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    FOR THE MEATBALLS:

    • In a large bowl, combine all of the meatball ingredients and mix until well combined (I use my hands).
    • Cover and place mixture in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

    FOR THE SOUP:

    • In a large pot, bring broth to a simmer over medium heat.  Reduce heat to low.
    • Form meatballs into balls (about golf ball size) by hand and drop them into the hot broth.
    • Cook for 3-4 minutes, then gently stir in the cabbage. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs and cabbage are fully cooked.
    • Gently stir the Nama Shoyu or soy sauce into the broth.  Keep warm until ready to serve.
    • When ready to serve, place desired amount of cooked noodles in a bowl and ladle the broth and meatballs over them.  Drizzle a small amount of sesame oil on top.

    optional: top with cilantro and add garlic chili sauce to taste.

      Recipe Notes & Tips:

      • Can top soup with a little fish sauce too!
      Nutrition Facts
      Asian Meatball Noodle Soup
      Amount Per Serving
      Calories 575 Calories from Fat 234
      % Daily Value*
      Fat 26g40%
      Saturated Fat 9g45%
      Cholesterol 81mg27%
      Sodium 2940mg123%
      Potassium 959mg27%
      Carbohydrates 54g18%
      Fiber 2g8%
      Sugar 1g1%
      Protein 25g50%
      Vitamin A 300IU6%
      Vitamin C 55.9mg68%
      Calcium 121mg12%
      Iron 3mg17%
      * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
      Tried this recipe? Show me on IG!!Mention @tastyeverafter or tag #tastyeverafter

       ©  Tasty Ever After  All images and content are copyright protected, so please do not copy or claim my work as your own.  Please do not use any images or republish this recipe without prior permission.  If you want to reference this recipe, link directly back to this post.  Thank you.

      Previous Post: « Healthy Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Cathi

        February 06, 2021 at 7:36 pm

        5 stars
        Amazing soup! Used ground chicken instead of pork since that’s what I had and added one egg to the mix… Will be making this often! Thanks for a delicious recipe!

        Reply
        • Karrie

          February 08, 2021 at 4:23 pm

          Thank you so much Cathi and very happy you like the soup!

          Reply
      2. Ellin

        January 15, 2021 at 7:07 am

        5 stars
        Really good recipe. I didn't follow the exact amt of broth and replaced cabbages in pork ball with shredded carrot. Have used this recipe many times and it is a perfect guide for a bowl of pork bowl noodles.

        Reply
        • Karrie

          January 20, 2021 at 11:46 am

          Thank you Ellin and very happy you enjoy the recipe so much!

          Reply
      3. Mary

        November 21, 2020 at 8:11 pm

        5 stars
        Really good! The meatballs are so tender and delicious!

        Reply
        • Karrie

          November 23, 2020 at 1:41 pm

          Thank you Mary!!

          Reply
      4. Indrani

        October 31, 2020 at 7:47 am

        My family has come to love this soup! Super tasty and simple. Thank you!

        Reply
        • Karrie

          November 02, 2020 at 1:21 pm

          Thank you Indrani for taking the time to comment and very happy you and the family love the soup!

          Reply
      5. Heidi

        May 26, 2020 at 10:54 am

        5 stars
        Delicious, thank you! During COVID-19, found a single package of ground pork when shelves were vacant. Added anise seed, whole All Spice, enoki mushrooms, and Chinese pork dumplings as well as baby bok choy and napa cabbage to your base Asian Meatball Soup. Chinese wine and the sesame oil are key in the soup. Now in regular rotation. Thank you!

        Reply
        • Karrie

          May 26, 2020 at 1:26 pm

          Thank you so much Heidi and so delighted you liked the recipe!

          Reply
      6. Effa Darham

        May 16, 2020 at 5:02 am

        Hi, I am a Muslim but I love Chinese food. I went through your recipe and I decided to try but I changed the meatball to beef.

        Other then the Meatball, I used all other ingredients in your recipe. It was simple and yummy and my kids couldn't help asking for 2nd and 3rd servings😀. Thanks to you 👍

        Reply
        • Karrie

          May 20, 2020 at 11:25 am

          That's wonderful Effa and I'm so happy you and the family loved it! I'll try it with beef meatballs next time too! Thank you so much and I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review 🙂

          Reply
      7. Monica

        May 01, 2020 at 8:34 am

        The recipe looks simple enough. Will definitely give it a try. Do you think I could freeze them as well? Thanks!

        Reply
        • Karrie

          May 01, 2020 at 9:54 am

          The recipe is super easy Monica! Yes, you can freeze the meatballs up to 3 months, either on their own in a freezer proof container or bag or freeze them in the soup broth only. If freezing them in the broth, make sure all the greens and noodles are removed because they don't freeze too well. Enjoy and please let me know how you like it!

          Reply
      8. Gina L Ruff

        March 17, 2020 at 12:40 pm

        5 stars
        This is delicious! Didnt have all the ingredients, but made do.
        I emailed a photo to you. Thanks tor posting! Husband raved about it!

        Reply
        • Karrie

          March 20, 2020 at 1:13 pm

          Thank you so much Gina and loved that the Hubby raved about it! Y'all made my day!!

          Reply
      9. Jeff Flieth

        November 03, 2019 at 4:00 pm

        A little fish sauce puts it over the top!

        Reply
        • Karrie

          November 05, 2019 at 11:33 am

          Thanks for the tip Jeff! I love fish sauce and trying that next time!

          Reply
      10. Jeanne Monroe

        September 30, 2018 at 10:34 am

        5 stars
        This was yummy!! I didn't have exactly the same veggies but, more importantly, the meatballs were just what I was expecting! Tasted so good, and just like going out to an Asian soup spot. I had pea pods, bok choy, mushrooms, sheddred carrots, cabbage and broccoli for the veggies. And of course the rice noodles, what a lovely light soup, and healthy!! Thank you!!!

        Reply
        • Karrie

          September 30, 2018 at 3:40 pm

          You made my day Jeanne and thank you so much for taking the time to review the recipe! Super happy you liked it and LOVE all the veggies you added.Trying the pea pods and mushrooms in mine next time I make it!

          Reply
      11. Cheyanne

        December 09, 2014 at 9:42 am

        This sounds perfect right about now! Great photos by the way!

        Reply
        • [email protected]ter

          December 09, 2014 at 10:53 am

          Thanks so much Cheyanne! BTW, love your blog. Fantastic recipes and beautiful photography.

          Reply

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