Bakso Beef Meatball Soup

Name: Bakso Beef Meatball Soup
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indonesian
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)

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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.

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Questions

What is 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. This reference files it under Indonesian soup: made on the stovetop, rated medium and about 50 minutes start to finish.

What internal temperature should Bakso Beef Meatball Soup reach?

For Bakso Beef Meatball Soup, the target internal temperature is 160 F (about 70 C), given in step 2. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

What can I use instead of sambal oelek in Bakso Beef Meatball Soup?

The entry for Bakso Beef Meatball Soup calls for 2 tbsp sambal oelek (for serving). In its place: Sriracha or any plain chili-garlic sauce works, measure for measure. Crushed red pepper flakes soaked in a little vinegar also do the job.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Bakso Beef Meatball Soup?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Bakso Beef Meatball Soup uses 1 lb lean ground beef.

Is Bakso Beef Meatball Soup spicy?

Yes, it is properly hot. The heat in Bakso Beef Meatball Soup comes from 2 tbsp sambal oelek (for serving). For a milder plate, start with half the sambal and add more to taste at the end; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

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