Thai Meatball Soup

Thai Meatball Soup is a dish that showcases the vibrant and bold flavors of Thai cuisine.Whether you are a fan of Thai cuisine or simply looking for a comforting and flavorful soup, Thai Meatball Soup is sure to impress with its distinctive blend of aromatic herbs, savory meatballs, and vibrant flavors.

Ingredients: For the meatballs:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground meat (chicken, pork, or beef)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the soup:

• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised and cut into pieces
• 3-4 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 small red chili, sliced (optional for heat)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (such as shiitake or button mushrooms)
• 1 cup baby bok choy, chopped
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Shape the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add the bruised lemongrass stalk and kaffir lime leaves to the pot. Allow the flavors to infuse for about 5 minutes.
4. Carefully drop the meatballs into the simmering broth, one by one. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
5. Stir in the fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, sliced red chili (if using), sliced mushrooms, and chopped baby bok choy. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Remove the lemongrass stalk and kaffir lime leaves from the pot before serving.
7. Ladle the Thai Meatball Soup into serving bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Thai Meatball Soup Tips：

• You can use your choice of ground meat for the meatballs, such as chicken, pork, or beef, depending on your preference.
• Make sure to mix the meatball ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
• Adjust the seasoning of the meat mixture according to your taste preferences.
• Bruising the lemongrass stalk helps release its aromatic oils and enhances the flavor of the soup.
• If you can’t find fresh kaffir lime leaves, you can use dried leaves, but reduce the amount to 2-3 leaves.
• Adjust the amount of red chili according to your desired level of spiciness.
• Adding the vegetables towards the end of the cooking time ensures that they retain their texture and vibrant colors.
• Remove the lemongrass stalk and kaffir lime leaves before serving to prevent any unwanted fibrous or tough pieces in the soup.
• Squeeze fresh lime juice over the soup just before serving to brighten the flavors.

Enjoy your Thai Meatball Soup, a comforting and fragrant dish that brings together the flavors of Thai cuisine in a satisfying bowl of goodness.