Is Lion's Head Meatballs safe for CKD patients?

This Chinese recipe is rated Avoid for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Per serving it has 780mg sodium, 410mg potassium, and 230mg phosphorus. Always check against your daily targets from your nephrologist or renal dietitian.

How can I make Lion's Head Meatballs more kidney-friendly?

See the CKD Tip section on this page for the specific adaptation we recommend. General principles: halve any fish sauce / soy sauce / bouillon; soak peeled vegetables in water to reduce potassium; choose lean meats; serve smaller portions of broth.

Where do these nutrition numbers come from?

Per-serving values are calculated by summing typical ingredient amounts × USDA FoodData Central values, then dividing by the recipe yield. Daily CKD limits referenced follow KDOQI 2020 clinical guidelines. Individual targets vary — always confirm with your renal dietitian.

Avoid

🇨🇳 China · Chinese

Lion's Head Meatballs

Giant fluffy pork meatballs braised in soy-stock with napa cabbage, named for their lion-mane appearance.

Prep time 90 min

Servings 4

Calories 420 kcal

CKD Avoid

Nutrition (per serving)

420

Calories

230mg

Phosphorus

230 / 800mg

780mg

Sodium

780 / 2000mg

410mg

Potassium

410 / 2000mg

CKD Tip

Cabbage absorbs Na from sauce. Squeeze it out before eating.

Ingredients

500g ground pork
Egg, cornstarch
Napa cabbage
Soy, Shaoxing
Ginger, scallion

Braised Cabbage Jiangsu Meatball Pork

Cooking Steps

1
Mix pork into airy meatballs.
2
Brown gently.
3
Place over cabbage in pot, add sauce.
4
Simmer covered 60 min.

Add to your meal plan

Send this recipe's nutrients to the CKD Meal Calculator to track your daily phosphorus, sodium & potassium totals.

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