Ginger lemongrass chicken meatballs and bok choy in miso broth make for a light, healthy and seriously satisfying soup. Bursting with flavor, this Ginger Chicken Meatball Miso Soup is the perfect way to cozy up and stay warm!
Hello, friends! What’s poppin’? How’s your week been?
I have a totally random question I’ve been meaning to ask you guys, but I wanted to wait until it was over before I brought it up.
Do you guys believe in the whole astrological effect of mercury being in retrograde? In case you don’t know what I’m talking about, January 5th– 25th Mercury was in retrograde, meaning it appeared to be moving backwards. And since Mercury symbolizes and rules all types of communication, you were supposed to avoid formal contracts, agreements and such… if you believe in that kind of thing.
There is even a list of specific things you were supposed to avoid.
So, do you guys believe in that kind of stuff (and horoscopes, while I’m asking), or do you think it’s a bunch of bologna? I know, totally random. But I’m a curious George, so humor me.
As for me, I don’t necessarily believe… but I am superstitious about certain things, so I didn’t go out and make any large purchases or buy property the past few weeks. Not that I needed to buy anything. Lord knows my wallet is thankful. 😉
Anyways, enough rambling, let’s talk food! All this cold weather has had Boy and I cozying up with lots and lots of soup, so you can guess what I’m sharing today – slurpable deliciousness.
Quick Navigation - Table of Contents
Ginger Chicken Meatball Miso Soup
Italian wedding soup is one of Boy’s favorites, because meatballs!
So, I wanted to do an Asian twist on one of my hunny’s favs, and in my humble opinion, this soup gives the classic a run for its money.
There is still the perfect marriage of meatballs and greens in a piping hot broth, just sans the Italian flavor.
The ginger lemongrass chicken meatballs are tender, juicy and packed with savory Asian flavor. Honestly the meat-a-ballas are fabulous on their own, so I highly recommend you make double and freeze half of them to have on hand for a rainy day.
The tender-crisp baby bok choy adds a unique, subtle peppery spice. Plus, it also adds a ton of nutrients to the soup.
Fun fact of the day – did you know bok choy ranks as the 11th richest food in vitamin A?
#KnowingIsHalfTheBattle
While the meatballs and the bok choy are fabulous, it is the miso broth that makes this soup stellar.
It’s slightly spicy, a smidgen salty, and explodes with umami flavor.
This Ginger Chicken Meatball Miso Soup is healthy and light yet seriously slurp-tastic. My tastebuds were definitely doing a happy dance with each loud gulp.
What is miso soup? What is miso soup made of?
Miso soup is a traditional Japanese soup consisting of dashi (a Japanese soup stock) and miso. Many other ingredients can be added depending on the region, season and personal preference.
Miso translates to ‘fermented beans’ in Japanese. While there are many types of miso, the most common paste is made from only fermented soybeans. However, some miso pastes are made from millet, cultured wheat, or a combination of different beans and grains.
As well, the length of fermentation time affects the flavor of miso paste, which can range from mild and sweet to rich and salty. Generally, the color of miso paste is a great indicator of the strength of flavor.
Is miso soup healthy?
Miso soup is extremely healthy! Miso paste is a traditional ingredient in both Japanese and Chinese diets, and in Japan, people will begin their day with a bowl of miso soup to stimulate digestion and provide energy their body.
Miso paste contains millions of beneficial bacteria which helps improve your gut healthy. Eating a bowl of warm miso soup provides a ton of various vitamins, proteins and antioxidants which can strengthen bones, support muscle growth and aid in your cardiovascular health.
Essentially, miso soup is a powerhouse for your health!
And, the addition of ginger lemongrass chicken meatballs in this Chicken Meatball Miso Soup only amplifies the healthy benefits of plain miso soup! Ginger has powerful medicinal properties while lemongrass is a wonderful antioxidant and ground chicken provides plenty of protein.
Notes, Tips & Tricks for the best Ginger Chicken Meatball Miso Soup recipe:
Notes, Tips & Tricks for the best Ginger Chicken Meatball Miso Soup recipe:- Make sure you do NOT use ground ALL chicken breast. You want to use regular, non-lean ground chicken (with both white and dark meat) for a more flavorful, juicy meatball.
- You can either use either red or white miso for the broth. I have used both and love them equally!
- You can let the broth gently simmer for longer than 15 minutes if you need more time to cook the meatballs. The longer the miso simmers, the more flavorful it will be. But please note, the longer it simmers, the more it will reduce as well!
Simple to prepare and even easier to slurp, I know you guys will love this Ginger Chicken Meatball Miso Soup.
Until next week, friends – Cheers to a soup-erb weekend!
XOXO
Cheyanne
Craving MORE? Follow all the deliciousness on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram!
How to make Ginger Chicken Meatball Miso Soup from scratch👇
Ginger Chicken Meatball Miso Soup
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Ground Chicken *
- 1 Cup Plain Panko Breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves Garlic , divided – 1 minced and 1 peeled and smashed
- 1 medium Shallot – peeled and sliced
- 1 TBS Reduced-Sodium Soy Sauce
- Ginger , divided – 2 tsp freshly grated + 1 (1’’ piece) sliced
- 8 Scallions – white and green part, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
- 1 TBS Fish Sauce , divided
- 1 TBS Lemongrass , white part only – minced
- 1 TBS Fresh Cilantro – roughly chopped
- 5 Cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth , divided
- 1 Cups Water
- 1 Thai Chili – sliced (optional)
- 2 TBS Miso (red or white)
- 2 TBS Vegetable Oil
- 2 heads Baby Bok Choy , quartered into wedges (can substitute 1 regular head)
- ¼ tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes , plus more for garnish
- Kosher Salt and Pepper , to taste
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl combine the chicken, panko, minced garlic, soy sauce, grated ginger, half the scallions, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, lemon grass, cilantro and 2 tablespoons of broth. Use your hands or a rubber spatula to gently mix, just until combined. Use your hands to scoop out about a tablespoon and form mixture into (1’’-diameter) meatballs. Transfer to a plate or clean work surface lined with parchment paper. Repeat until all meatballs are formed.
- In a medium pot over medium heat, combine remaining broth, water, Thai chili, smashed garlic, shallot, sliced ginger, 1 tablespoon fish sauce and remaining scallions. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove solids and discard. In a small bowl combine miso with 2 tablespoons of the broth and whisk to combine. Add the miso mixture to the pot of broth. Stir to combine.
- Meanwhile, Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add meatballs to skillet (in batches if necessary to not overcrowd the pan) and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and transfer to a clean plate.
- Add the bok choy and crushed red pepper flakes to the broth. Simmer until bok choy is almost tender, about 3 minutes.
- Add in the meatballs and bring broth back to a simmer. Simmer until meatballs are cooked through, about 5-8 minutes. Taste broth and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve garnished with scallions and crushed red pepper flakes.
Notes
*You can use either red or white miso. I used red.
*You can let the broth gently simmer for longer than 15 minutes if needed while you cook the meatballs. The longer it simmers the more flavorful it will be.
*Yield: about 22 meatballs
Nutrition
best thing we have eaten in 2020, wow so good
Hi Dawn,
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!!! Your comment made my day! Thank you for coming back and letting me know how it went over! Cheers! 🙂
I see this recipe was posted quite some time ago, but I made it for the first time last night and just had to say that it is truly delightful! I sent the leftovers home with my daughter (much to my regret) so, I’m making another batch today for my freezer 🙂 The only addition I made was to put a scoop of jasmine rice in the bowl, then arrange the delicious meatballs, broth and bok choy around it. Sooo goood, thank you!
This soup was PHENOMENAL!!! I substituted ground chicken for pork because that’s all I had on me and I threw in a handful of frozen leek slices along with the bok choy at the end. My family is going to inhale this & ask for more. Next time I’ll double the recipe! Thank you!
I am THRILLED you loved this soup, Lee!! Thank you so much for coming back and letting me know how it went over! Cheers – to a beautiful rest of the weekend! 🙂
my dad is actually a good astrologer..he looks up peoples horoscopes n all..I do believe in certain aspect of it but not so much like him! love the flavors in this dish!
This looks so lovely and light but comforting and warm at the same time, Cheyanne! Miso is just the best!! I love your photography, too, it’s absolutely stunning!!
I am pathetically freezing in LA today… So this soup with meaty balls would have been a phenomenal way to WARM UP! And I ADORE ginger. But seriously. ADORE IT!
The astrological stuff is always interesting to read but I’ve never made decisions based on it. This soup is calling my name, I can see why you have been cozying up with a bowl or two. Taking the Italian Wedding soup and adding in a little twist of Asian is perfect! I would be shamelessly eating this out of a large mixing bowl, lol. Take care!
So interesting about Mercury in retrograde! Would’ve never known any of that (and I can be weirdly superstitious about things so I appreciate learning about it!) These meatballs sound fabulous, I love the ginger addition – and miso is one of my favorites! Pinned, and trying it soon! Looks delicious.
I don’t know what I believe when it comes to all that stuff, but I sure do love it read about it! And thinking about how Mercury was just in retrograde, that may explain some things… 😉
These meatballs look incredible and paired with this broth I just can’t wait to try it! Hope you had a great weekend, Cheyanne!
I’ve never heard of this whole Mercury in retrograde thing, but I do kinda believe in astrology. My sign is literally me to T, so much so it’s scary. I don’t read my horoscope daily, but when I do occasionally read it, it’s usually pretty accurate. I am pretty superstitious, so I’m happy Mercury being in retrograde is over because we are in the process of buying a house! Ok onto your amazing food – LOVE this. I love Italian Wedding Soup, too. This is right up my alley with the Asian twist. I also really love bok choy so I can’t wait to try! Pinned!
Ginger and lemongrass broth is totally where it’s at, and I love bok choy.
I am not sure how I feel about horoscopes. I do read them and if I want to believe something specific, then I do haha
Hey there, my sister in bok choy adoration! This soup looks 1000% perfect – scrumptious and healthy and just what I want for these chilly snowy nights – and to take into work the next day! Perfection and pinned – cheers!!! xo
This miso bowl looks so warming and delicious Cheyanne! Such a perfect winter dish! All of the flavours in this sound sooooo incredible! It’s making me so hungry right now. Bok choy is one of my favourite vegetables too 🙂 thank you for sharing such a great recipe! <3
I’ve always thought that the description of my astrological sign always sounded pretty close to me, except for the fact that it always says I should have some big mogul career in finance or something. I don’t even like being the banker in Monopoly.
As soon as I saw this my stomach started growling! It looks amazing! And I need a reason to eat more bok choy. Yum!
Oh my goodness Cheyanne, you are making so hungry!! This is my kind of meal. It looks so warming and comforting and I’m a total miso soup lover. It’s calling to me. Pinned!
Slurpable deliciousness indeed Chey! You know I love me some meatballs and all the flavors going on in this one I am drooling. Fantastic! Pinned, Tweeted and on my FB page. Hope you’re well and surviving the snows.
Mercury, the stars, moon … the universe, tides, hurricanes and clouds… the universe holds powerful forces/energy we’ll never understand, although we think we like to try and understand. Sure, science has made great advances, but there’s so much more, vast amounts more, we don’t know. I just believe in the power of gratitude, love and compassion. The rest, I don’t pretend to know or judge. Live and let live and live by those three guiding principles.. gratitude, love and compassion. Contemplation is good though, Chey. Never stop wondering! And I do like to read those horoscopes, just for fun! Now these meatballs… OMGeeeee! What a fabulous combination of flavors! I adore boc choy and meatballs (I make veggie) but never thought about the flavor combo you’ve developed here! I LOVE IT! Absolutely cozy my dear! Now… looking forward to your V-day giveaway! Hooray!
Hmmmm…..I’m not so sure about that whole Mercury thing….but then again, it’s best not to take any chances! These meatballs look like a sure winner! Talk about comfort food taking a new flavor! Yum!
Doing an Asian spin on Italian wedding soup is just sheer genius, Cheyanne! Those meatballs look so juicy and I just want to dive into this bowl. These flavors sound amazing and I just want to dive into this bowl!
Anything in ball form…. Is right up my alley LOL!!!
That came out, RIGHT!
I’m impressed! This meal looks so fancy, yet simple to make and super healthy! And I would have never thought to add ginger to my meatballs, but it sounds like the perfect addition! 😀 I’ve never tried bok choy, but I definitely need to sometime!
Cheyanne, I am not a huge beliver in superstitions, but I am a big eater of chicken meatballs and girl, the flavor in this is simply mind blowing! Love love thosw lemongrass and cilantro chicken balls!
Gah that broth!!! I want to just slurp up a big bowl! And those meatballs … want to come cook dinner for me tonight??? 🙂 Happy happy weekend friend! And so excited for February!!!
i’ll take meatballs in any form and this miso broth is just beyond! i’d love a bowl right now! as far as horoscopes, etc., i don’t put much stock in it. it’s fun to read, but i think we make our own destinies.
I am definitely guilty of reading my horoscope. It’s not like I 100% believe it, but I do find it accurate sometimes. And I actually almost signed a contract earlier this month, and had no idea about that mercury retrograde thing, but good thing I didn’t sign now that I know!!
This meatball soup looks soooo good!I love all of your meatball recipes, and this once is no exception! I love having soup during cold weather, but sometimes I skip it because I want something more filling and meaty, but this soup fulfills that need, so I can see myself definitely enjoying a bowl of this!! <3
I love checking my horoscope out – hoping it will sublimely get my day off to a good start. As for Mercury in Retrograde – thanks for the link – I was in good shape going down the list until I got to “don’t buy anything” – oops – too late! Hopefully no damage done. Have yourself a wonderful weekend, Cheyanne!
You might just be a frickin’ genius with this Asian spin on wedding soup (a HUGE thing in my family, btw) and I’m pinning this right now. It looks and sounds absolutely amazing. As far as the astrological stuff… I definitely put myself in the non-believer category, BUT, anytime I hear about something like this afterwards, I have to admit that I’m always like, “Well, what if that’s the reason that (insert whatever craziness here)??” In this case, during that time we found out that my husband was going to have to be stationed on a big boat (instead of at a small-boat station which is a completely different thing) for our next move (and consequently had to send in a list of places to be stationed, etc.). But then, as a skeptic, I think, “Well, maybe we could do that at anytime?” Find something slightly out of whack and attribute it to the stars. There is something kind of romantic about it. Also, A+ for the GI Joe reference 🙂
Just when I was in the mood for “slurpable deliciousness” along comes this soup! Aren’t baby bok choy just the cutest things? 😀 Am I giving myself away? ~ total food nerd. This looks amazing. Your recipes are always so inventive. This one looks top notch. Have a great weekend, Cheyanne!!!
Im loving anything miso at the moment! These bowls look so nourishing and warming!
It sounds and looks delicious, my kind of soup and due to the meatballs, I think my kids would love it as well (as long as they are allowed to leave the greens on the side). Pinning and putting it on the cooking list. 🙂
Both my daughter and I have had a few funky experiences that make me afraid of ghosts and goblins and things that go bump in the night, but I don’t pay attention to the astrological realm. I can really get into this soup! You got me at lemongrass! I love anything flavored with it. And I’m a fan of bok choy, especially baby bok choy—they are so cute. I would definitely need to make a big pot of this soup so there will be plenty of leftovers. Have a great weekend, Chey!
Hey girlie – I don’t know anything about the Mercury business. Ignorance is bliss. But let’s talk cozy up. It’s cold around here. And this delicious bowlful is just what the doctor…er Miss Chey…ordered. Oooeeee…..absolutely lovely and now I am wanting those meatballs stat. I love both ginger and lemongrass so I know this is a real winner. I am headed south this weekend and just wanted you to know I will be flying OVER you on my way to Bham. Yeah, I’m kind of excited to fly the coop and get WARM baby! Just a couple days, but it will be nice to have no kiddos. And I’ll think of you over NC as I look out my plane window as Mercury retreats, and think only non-committal thoughts. Have an awesome weekend, friend! xo
girl, this is like my kind of comfort food!! LOVE this so much I can’t even tell you. . Ginger lemongrass chicken meatballs and bok choy in a miso broth??? WHAT?!!! This is gorgeous and has like all of my favorite things . . and you know, I never thought to use a cookie scoop for meatballs. . . duh!!! I love this! and a $1,000 Amazon gift card .. oh my WOW!!! Holy Cow!
I am slightly superstitious when it comes to some stuff but definitely not everything. This looks beyond delicious! My kiddos and I have been sick with the flu all week so I definitely believe in lots of soup with ginger and chicken. Love the miso and baby bok choy!
Asian meatball soup! Looks pretty tasty!
I love this asian inspired twist on Italian wedding soup! It looks absolutely delicious Cheyanne!
I don’t really believe in the astrological stuff but it is fun to think about sometimes. I feel like it is sometimes accurate and sometimes not. I know people who are really into it though, so I hear about it often! And this soup! OMG, I wish I had a big bowl of this RIGHT NOW. Those meatballs and that broth are a big bowl of comfort that I could totally use right now! Pinned!
Loving everything about this soup! I’m all about the meatballs, too 🙂 As for your question … not sure if I’m a believer exactly, but I’m always curious!
Hmm, You lost me with the whole Mercury thing but it doesn’t matter because I will believe anything for a bite of these meatballs!! 😉
I haven’t had miso in so long, I used to eat tons of it when I was vegetarian and haven’t had any since! I should definitely change that because these ginger chicken meatballs are totally up my alley. I love all the Asian flavours in here and it looks so warm and comforting, too!
I”m ALL over this Italian wedding soup with an Asian spin! This is such a brilliant dish – forget the bowl, I’m grabbing the pot and a giant spoon! Which btw, I’m loving those bowls! Are they from C&B?
As for the astrological thing – I read my horoscope if I’m flipping through a magazine at the doctors office, but don’t really follow it. Although, maybe I should… maybe I’d have a little more in the bank if I did 😉
I love love this comforting bowl of meatballs and broth soup. All I’ve been craving is thin watery soups the last week. The ginger is such a fresh addition to it my dear. So moist and perfect.
To the astrological thing, I want to think I am a non believer but, when mom says something I kinda freak out without showing anyone that I freaked. So not sure, but my parents and a lot of our friends are believers and you have no clue how much of this astrological thing happens in India, it’s crazy sometimes.
Have a great weekend my dear.
Pinned for sure.
xx
Well great bellies crave alike! 😉 And I totally know what you mean about secretly freaking out, I do the same thing!! I had no idea astrology is big in India – good to know!! Thanks so much for the comment love and pin, Asha! Cheers to a fabulous weekend, sweets! xo
I love meatballs! These look so scrumptious, and I love the miso broth! Looking forward to your Valentine’s Day recipe!
Thank you so much, Marsha!! Cheers to a wonderful weekend!
I Love Italian wedding soup too! Meatballs are so awesome, especially little meatballs. Ginger and lemongrass is one of my all time favs in the combo taste department so trying your soup ASAP. I kind of believe in the horoscope thing and reading about you talking about mercury retrograde made me feel like I was talking to my Mom (she is a huge believer in all that stuff). Thanks for giving us all the heads up and warning us about it after it happened! hahahaha!
I agree, meatballs are awesome. 😉 I had no clue your mom is a believer is astrology… good to know, considering I feel like I knew everything about you already, bestie. Sorry I didn’t give you a heads up earlier! Next year. Cheers, sweets! <3
I didn’t know about all of of those things you aren’t supposed to do when Mercury was in retrograde, but now I am glad that I didn’t enter into any contracts or agreements over the past few weeks. 🙂 I love using baby bok choy and these meatballs in miso broth look incredible. I have been craving soup lately because of this awful weather and could use a big bowl of this for dinner tonight!
I didn’t really know what all was involved in the whole Mercury thing either until I looked it up, Ashley! Thanks so much for the kind comment! Hope you are feeling better! Cheers, my dear! 🙂
Scallions, lemongrass and cilantro all wrapped up in a chicken meatball and submerged in a bowl of miso broth? I DIE. Totally pinning and making soon! Hope your week is going splendidly, friend! XOXO
Love that description, Lauren! You want to start writing my blog posts?! 😉 Thank you so much for the sweet comment and the pin! Cheers to a beautiful weekend, peanut! XOXO
Dude. You had me totally freaked out with this Mercury business! Don’t communicate, enter agreements, negotiate, or sign contracts?!?! Yikes! I’m just glad we are past the 25th! I’m guilty of being completely superstitious. Thank goodness you made me this awesome Asian meatball soup to slurp away my worries! I heart miso and I had no idea that bok choy was such a power food, so all these things need to get in my shopping cart! Have an awesome weekend!
Lol.. I’m guilty of being superstitious too, Rachelle! I didn’t really know just how much of a super food bok choy was until I did some research. 😉 Thanks so much for the sweet comment, doll! Cheers to a fabulous weekend! XO
I’m a huge fan of traditional Italian meatball soup, so I’m dying to try this. It looks amazing.
And as for astrology, yeah. I’m not a believer really, but I know some friends at work who eat it all up! You should hang with them, Chey!
Thank you so much, Mir! I’m not really a believer in astrology, but I do find it fascinating! I should hang with your friends for sure… they could “learn” me. lol. Cheers, doll!
Oh those meatballs Cheyanne! They look perfectly yummy! What a deliciously flavorful soup to warm me up with all that snow outside my window! Enjoy the weekend friend!
Thank you so much, Mary Ann! Cheers to a wonderful weekend!
This recipe looks amazeballs! Soup + meatballs + bok choy = winner! And, I have a package of baby bok choy at home perfect for this recipe, especially since we have snow coming and I just wanna curl up and eat yummy food like this. P.S. that’s a huge tub of miso! Have a great weekend 🙂 !
Thanks so much, Dawn! Love that you have baby bok choy at home already! You know that huge tub of miso? GONE already! 🙂 I miso ALL the things! lol. Cheers to a fabulous weekend and stay warm!!
So, I kinda-sort-not really believe in the whole astrological thing. I do read my horscope, though not on a daily basis, but don’t find those entirely accurate. The description of my horoscope is pretty much spot on for me, but not the daily stuff. But I definitely believe in these chicken meatballs! YUM!! I love that you added them to a miso broth! How delicious is this?! Pinned, of course!
The description of me as a person for my horoscope is pretty dead on… but the daily one is normally WAY off too! Thanks so much for the kind comment and the pin, as always, Gayle! Cheers! <3
You have some really amazing chicken meatball recipes here, Cheyanne. The miso broth is really special.
Thank you so much, Angie!! Cheers to a wonderful weekend!
Meatballs just died and went to heaven. Loving this lemongrass-chicken-ginger variety and I was just thinking the other day how it’s been far too long since I’ve had bok choy. Poor little forgotten veggie of my life. And who can resist that miso broth? Slurp, slurp, slurp, I’m going to embarrass myself when I eat this! As for horoscopes and astrology… I find it all very fascinating, especially the history of it and how cultures used to rely on it, but I don’t really believe in or follow the stuff myself. However, had I known about the Mercury retrograde, I probably would have avoided anything major. You know, just in case 😉 (Luckily, that happened by accident.) Cheers and have a lovely weekend!
Hahahaha! Thanks for the sweet comment and the giggles, Kathryn! I find astrology fascinating too, but I don’t really believe or follow it either. 😉 Cheers, sweets – to a lovely weekend! <3
You know I can’t resist a fabulous meata-balla! I love the Asian spin you have going on here. I’m a glutton for my Italian wedding soup and I’m certain to be a glutton for this, too! And who can’t use more Vitamin A in their life? Well – I’m not much of a believer in the whole astrology thing, however, I am feeling a bit relieved that I didn’t sign on any important dotted lines this month – so, who knows? Maybe I am a believer?! Thanks for sharing, dearest! Cheers! xo
I knew you would like these – because I KNOW you love meat-a-ballahs! Thank you so much for the sweet comment, Annie! I’m with you on the astrology thing… not really a believer but glad I didn’t sign anything important this month. 🙂 Cheers, doll! xoxo