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Bakso Beef Meatball Soup

Springy Indonesian beef meatballs served in a clear, savory beef broth with rice noodles, bok choy, and crispy fried shallots. A beloved street-food staple that is surprisingly achievable at home.

50 minMediumServes 4340 cal/serving

IndonesianSoupStovetopStandardDairy-Free

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1/4 cup tapioca starch (or cornstarch)
  • 4 garlic cloves (for meatballs), minced
  • 1 tsp salt (for meatballs)
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper
  • 8 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 4 garlic cloves (for broth), smashed
  • 6 slices fresh ginger, sliced
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp salt (for broth)
  • 4 oz thin rice noodles (bihun), soaked per package
  • 4 baby bok choy, halved
  • 1/4 cup fried shallots (store-bought)
  • 4 green onions, sliced
  • 2 tbsp sambal oelek (for serving)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Make the meatballs: combine 1 lb lean ground beef, 1/4 cup tapioca starch (or cornstarch), 4 minced garlic cloves (for meatballs), 1 tsp salt (for meatballs), and 1/2 tsp white pepper in a food processor. Process for 1-2 minutes until very smooth and slightly sticky.

  2. 2

    Bring a large pot of water to a gentle simmer. Wet your hands and roll the beef mixture into 1-inch balls. Drop into simmering water and cook for 5-6 minutes until they float and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Remove with a slotted spoon.

  3. 3

    Make the broth: combine 8 cups low-sodium beef broth, 4 smashed garlic cloves (for broth), and 6 slices sliced fresh ginger in a pot. Simmer for 10 minutes. Strain, then season with 2 tbsp fish sauce and 1 tsp salt (for broth).

  4. 4

    Add the cooked meatballs and 4 halved baby bok choy to the hot broth. Simmer for 2 minutes until bok choy is just tender.

  5. 5

    Divide 4 oz thin rice noodles (bihun) among bowls. Ladle broth, meatballs, and bok choy over noodles. Top with 1/4 cup fried shallots (store-bought) and 4 sliced green onions. Serve with 2 tbsp sambal oelek (for serving) on the side.

Questions

How long does Bakso Beef Meatball Soup keep?

Refrigerate it up to four days, or freeze it in portions for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to loosen it.

Can I halve or double Bakso Beef Meatball Soup?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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