Steamed Beef Balls (Niúròu Wán, 牛肉丸) are a popular dim sum dish, featuring tender, juicy beef meatballs seasoned with traditional Chinese flavors and often served steamed with a touch of ginger or dried orange peel.

These meatballs are soft, flavorful, and aromatic, making them a staple in Cantonese cuisine and a favorite for family meals, dim sum, and festive occasions.

📝 Ingredients (Makes ~12 meatballs)

300g ground beef

1 egg

2 tbsp cornstarch

1 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp oyster sauce

1 tsp Shaoxing wine

½ tsp white pepper

1 tsp sesame oil

1 tsp grated ginger

Optional: small pieces of dried tangerine peel for fragrance

🔥 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, white pepper, sesame oil, and grated ginger.

Mix thoroughly until well combined and slightly sticky.

Chill mixture for 10–15 minutes to help with shaping.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking.

Form the beef mixture into uniform balls, about 3–4 cm in diameter.

Step 3: Steam the Meatballs

Prepare a steamer with boiling water.

Place meatballs on a plate or in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper.

Steam over medium heat for 15–20 minutes, until fully cooked and tender.

Step 4: Serve

Serve hot, optionally garnished with ginger slices or chopped spring onions.

Enjoy the juicy, tender texture and savory flavor of the beef balls.

🌿 Tips & Variations

Tenderness: Use a mixture of beef and a little fat for extra juiciness.

Flavoring: Adding dried tangerine peel or a small amount of soy paste enhances aroma.

Consistency: Chill the mixture before shaping for easier handling.

Serving Options: Can be served with dim sum soy dipping sauce or added to soups.

🍚 Serving & Experience

Steamed Beef Balls are soft, juicy, and richly flavored, offering a classic dim sum experience.

Perfect for dim sum meals, family gatherings, or as a warm appetizer, they showcase the simple yet elegant flavors of Cantonese cooking in a bite-sized dish.