At the table
Lift the slippery pieces with a spoon and eat them with a little broth. Let them cool; ask for less chili and vinegar before the bowl is seasoned.
Contains beef. Starch and seasonings vary between shops; ask about other meats, seafood ingredients and allergens if relevant. The selected version uses cooking water rather than a separately prepared meat stock.
Contains beef. Starch and seasonings vary between shops; ask about other meats, seafood ingredients and allergens if relevant. The selected version uses cooking water rather than a separately prepared meat stock.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Contains beef. Starch and seasonings vary between shops; ask about other meats, seafood ingredients and allergens if relevant. The selected version uses cooking water rather than a separately prepared meat stock.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
In Fuding, Ningde, these “beef balls” are irregular pieces scraped from beef paste, not round balls. Sweet-potato starch gives them a springy, slippery bite in a tangy, chili-warmed broth.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- In Fuding, Ningde, these “beef balls” are irregular pieces scraped from beef paste, not round balls. Sweet-potato starch gives them a springy, slippery bite in a tangy, chili-warmed broth.
- How it’s made
- Beef is minced and worked with salt, ginger, baking soda and sweet-potato starch. Small pieces are scraped into boiling ginger water, then served with their cooking liquid, white pepper, dried chili, chili powder, white vinegar and coriander.
Contains beef. Starch and seasonings vary between shops; ask about other meats, seafood ingredients and allergens if relevant. The selected version uses cooking water rather than a separately prepared meat stock.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Fujian.
About this regional connection
Fujian: Fuding in Ningde; the regional task is represented specifically by Fuding beef-paste dumplings.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有宁德牛肉丸（福鼎式）吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Fuding beef dumpling soup
Fuding's snack tradition includes beef paste scraped directly into boiling water. The local name “beef balls” can mislead visitors expecting smooth, round Chaoshan balls; the distinctive pieces here resemble small irregular meat dumplings.