Steam Cooking Meatballs: A Healthy, Tasty Option?

Steaming is a great way to cook meatballs, yielding juicy and tender results. This technique is inspired by the tender and juicy meat in steamed dumplings and buns. By only exposing the meatballs to vapourised air, the meat becomes moist and tender. You can steam meatballs using a steamer, a bamboo steamer basket, or even a pasta pan. You can also use a combi steam oven, which is less messy and more time-effective than pan-frying.

How to steam meatballs

Steaming meatballs is a great way to ensure they come out tender and juicy. This technique is inspired by the tender and juicy meat found in steamed dumplings and buns. The steaming technique only exposes the meat to direct contact with vapour, not boiling water, resulting in moist and tender meatballs.

• Prepare your favourite meatball mixture. A good basic mixture includes ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken, pork, or lamb), breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers, milk, an egg, grated parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix the breadcrumbs and milk first, then add the remaining ingredients, followed by the ground meat.
• Form the mixture into small balls, about 1- to 1 1/4-inch in size. You can use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform sizing.
• Using a steamer basket or insert, steam the meatballs for 5 to 10 minutes. If you don't have a steamer, you can use the simple hack of placing a plate or bowl over a pot of boiling water.
• After steaming, your meatballs should be cooked through. You can finish them off in an oven or skillet to get a crisp, caramelized exterior.
• Serve the meatballs as desired. They can be added to sauces, used in meatball sandwiches, or served as an appetizer.

Steaming is a convenient way to cook meatballs, especially if you don't have an oven or want to avoid heating up your kitchen. It's a simple technique that results in juicy and flavourful meatballs.

The benefits of steaming meatballs

Steaming meatballs is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this popular dish. Here are some benefits of steaming meatballs:

Moisture Retention

Meatballs are prone to drying out, especially when cooked in an oven or on a stovetop. Steaming is an effective way to combat this issue, as the meatballs are only exposed to vapour, not boiling water, resulting in moist and tender meatballs.

Health Benefits

Steaming is a healthy cooking method, as it doesn't require additional fats or oils, which can increase the calorie count of a dish. Steaming also preserves the nutritional content of the meatballs, ensuring you benefit from the protein, vitamins, and minerals present in the meat.

Versatility

Steaming is a versatile cooking method that can be used for meatballs in any culinary tradition. It is particularly associated with Chinese cuisine, featuring in Dim Sum and Cantonese dishes, but it can be applied to Swedish, Italian, or any other meatball variety.

Simplicity

Steaming is a straightforward process that doesn't require any specialist equipment. You can steam meatballs in a simple bamboo steamer, pasta pan, or even a stove-top skillet with a lid. This makes it an accessible cooking method for those without an oven or fancy equipment.

Flavour Enhancement

Steaming can enhance the flavour of meatballs by locking in juices and keeping the meat tender. This moist cooking environment can also allow other ingredients, such as herbs or spices, to infuse their flavours into the meatballs.

So, there you have it! Steaming is a beneficial cooking method for meatballs, resulting in juicy, nutritious, and flavourful results.

The best meat for steamed meatballs

Steaming is an effective way to cook meatballs, as it helps retain moisture and tenderness. While you can steam meatballs made from any type of ground meat, certain types are more commonly used and recommended.

Beef is a popular choice for steamed meatballs, especially in Cantonese dim sum. Lean ground beef is typically used, with a fat content of less than 8%. Beef round, knuckle, or sirloin tip are good cuts to use if you're grinding the meat yourself.

Pork is another commonly used meat for meatballs, and it can be used in combination with beef or veal. Ground pork adds flavour and moisture to the meatballs.

Veal is also used in meatball recipes, often in combination with pork and beef. It adds a unique flavour to the meatballs.

Other types of meat, such as chicken, turkey, or even fish, can also be used to make steamed meatballs. However, leaner meats like chicken and turkey may be more prone to drying out, so it's important to add enough moisture and fat to the mixture.

When making steamed meatballs, it's important to use fresh, high-quality meat to ensure the best flavour and texture. Additionally, adding ingredients like breadcrumbs, eggs, cheese, and herbs can enhance the flavour and texture of the meatballs.

How to make meatballs from scratch

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried parsley, onion powder, Italian seasoning, etc.)
• Onion
• Milk
• Parmesan cheese
• Optional: mustard, fresh herbs, bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, broth, red sauce, etc.

Utensils

• Hand mixer with hook attachments or stand mixer with dough hook attachment (or just use clean hands)
• Baking sheet lined with parchment
• Tablespoon-sized measuring spoon or a small-sized cookie scoop

Method

• Place all ingredients in a large bowl. Using a hand mixer with dough hooks attached (or a stand mixer), mix the ingredients together very well.
• Knead the mixture thoroughly, then scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of meat.
• Cup the meat between your palms and roll it into a tight ball.
• Place the meatballs in a single layer on a lined baking sheet.
• Cook the meatballs in the oven or in a skillet on the stovetop.

Cooking Instructions

Oven-Baked Meatballs

• Preheat the oven to 400-425°F.
• Drizzle the meatballs with oil and bake them for 10-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Flip them halfway through.

Stovetop Meatballs

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet.
• Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through (around 6-7 minutes).
• If your skillet is not large enough, cook the meatballs in batches.

Freezer Instructions

Freezing Raw Meatballs

• Wrap the baking sheet with foil and freeze the meatballs until solid.
• Pack the meatballs into freezer bags in your desired portion size.
• Label the bags with the type of meatball and the date.
• The meatballs can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Freezing Cooked Meatballs

• Cook the meatballs as instructed above, either in the oven or in a skillet.
• Drain the meatballs on paper towels and place them on a clean, lined baking sheet.
• Allow the meatballs to cool completely.
• Tightly cover the baking sheet with foil and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the meatballs to large freezer bags.
• Label the bags with the type of meatball and the date.
• The meatballs can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Reheating Frozen Cooked Meatballs

No need to defrost—simply add the frozen meatballs to a simmering sauce and cook until heated through (at least 10-15 minutes).

How to serve steamed meatballs

Steaming is a great way to cook meatballs, especially if you want to avoid dry meatballs. It is also a convenient method if you don't have an oven or don't want to heat up your kitchen. Here is a guide on how to serve steamed meatballs:

• Prepare the meatballs: Start by mixing and rolling your meatballs according to your favourite recipe. You can use any type of ground meat, such as beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. If you want to add some extra flavour, you can include ingredients like eggs, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce.
• Steam the meatballs: Place the raw meatballs in a steamer basket or a pasta pan. You can use a bamboo steamer or even a KitchenAid Cook Processor with a steam function. Steam the meatballs for about 15 to 20 minutes, until they are cooked through.
• Make a sauce: While the meatballs are steaming, prepare your favourite sauce. You can go for a classic tomato sauce, a spicy black pepper sauce, or any other sauce that pairs well with meatballs. If you're short on time, you can also use a store-bought sauce.
• Combine and simmer: Once the meatballs are steamed, add them directly into your warm sauce. Simmer them for a few minutes to allow the flavours to meld. This step is optional but will result in more flavourful meatballs.
• Serve: Finally, it's time to serve your steamed meatballs! You can serve them as-is or with a side of pasta, rice, or noodles. Sprinkle with fresh herbs like mint or cilantro for a pop of colour and extra flavour.

By following these steps, you can create juicy and tender steamed meatballs that your family and friends will love. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions