Why This Recipe Works :
This Korean-inspired dish gets a triple dose of fat from beef, coconut oil, and toasted sesame oil, but the richness is balanced by tangy kimchi, a traditional condiment of spicy pickled vegetables. Kimchi serves another purpose too, helping the meatballs stay tender. At the test kitchen, we use a panade (a mixture of bread crumbs and liquid) to keep meatballs and meatloaf juicy and moist, but a panade was out for this book.
Since we didn’t want tough meatballs and wanted to highlight Korean flavors in this soup, we considered kimchi instead as a swap for traditional panade. We made meatballs by combining beef with a mixture of minced kimchi and scallions, which prevented the shaped meat from becoming dense during cooking and added delicious texture and crunch. A poaching liquid of beef broth, kimchi, garlic, and ginger also contributed abundant flavor. We gently poached our meatballs until they were just done; we then finished the dish with a sprinkle of scallion greens and a drizzle of potent sesame oil to enhance the Korean nuances of this simple but satisfying soup.
Directions :
- Add ground beef, minced kimchi, 1 tablespoon scallion whites,
and 1 tablespoon scallion greens to bowl and gently knead with your
hands until combined. Pinch off and roll meat mixture into 1¾-inch
balls (you should have about 30 balls). - Heat coconut oil in Dutch oven over medium heat until
shimmering. Add remaining scallion whites, garlic, and ginger and
cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in chopped kimchi and cook
until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in broth, then gently add
meatballs and bring to simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook
until meatballs are cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes, gently stirring to
redistribute meatballs halfway through cooking. Season with salt and
pepper to taste. Drizzle each portion with ½ teaspoon sesame oil
and sprinkle with remaining scallion greens before serving.
I’m Dr. Megan Justin
With a degree in Nutrition and years of experience working in U.S. hospitals, I specialize in creating personalized meal plans and delicious recipes for weight loss. I’m here to help you achieve your health goals with sustainable, easy-to-follow nutrition. Let’s transform your health, one meal at a time!
