Savory Chinese Pearl Balls
Discover the exquisite taste of Savory Chinese Pearl Balls, a delightful appetizer that combines the rich flavors of ground pork, aromatic ginger, and crunchy water chestnuts, all wrapped in a delicate coating of sweet rice. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a moment of indulgence at home, these succulent treats are steamed to perfection, delivering a tender bite packed with umami. For an authentic touch, serve with soy sauce or a spicy dipping sauce to elevate the experience further.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet rice or glutinous rice
3/4 cup (Soaked in water for 4 hours, then drained and patted dry.)
Dried brown Chinese mushrooms
6 (Soaked in 1/2 cup warm water for 1 hour, then drained and chopped finely.)
Lean pork, finely ground
1 lb (None)
Egg
1 (Lightly beaten)
Soy sauce
1 tablespoon (None)
Sugar
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Gingerroot, finely minced
1 1/2 teaspoons (None)
Water chestnuts
8 (Finely chopped, preferably fresh.)
Scallion
1 (Finely chopped.)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the sweet or glutinous rice in water, ensuring that it is fully covered for approximately 4 hours. After soaking, drain the rice and pat it dry with a towel.
2
Next, soak the dried brown Chinese mushrooms in 1/2 cup of warm water for about 1 hour. After soaking, drain the mushrooms, discard the tough stems, and chop the caps finely to release their rich flavor.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the finely ground pork, chopped mushrooms, beaten egg, soy sauce, sugar, minced gingerroot, chopped water chestnuts, and scallion. Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are well blended. This will ensure that the flavors meld beautifully.
4
Once the mixture is ready, form them into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
5
Prepare a baking sheet by spreading the soaked and dried rice evenly across it. Take one pearl ball at a time and roll it in the sweet rice until it is fully coated. Transfer each coated ball to another baking sheet lined with waxed paper.
6
Refrigerate the pearl balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up. If desired, the pearl balls can be frozen at this stage for future use.
7
To steam the pearl balls, set up a steamer in a large pan or wok and add water until it comes within 1 inch of the steamer's bottom. Carefully place the refrigerated or frozen pearl balls on the steamer racks, ensuring they are spaced apart.
8
Bring the water to a boil, cover the pot, and steam the pearl balls for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and check the doneness; they should be hot and steaming.
9
Serve the steaming hot pearl balls with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy this authentic Chinese treat at your next gathering or as a comforting snack!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of rice is used for Savory Chinese Pearl Balls?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of sweet rice or glutinous rice.
How long should the sweet rice be soaked?
The rice should be soaked in water for approximately 4 hours until fully covered.
What is the preparation for the rice after soaking?
After soaking, the rice must be drained and patted dry with a towel.
How long do the dried Chinese mushrooms need to soak?
They should be soaked in 1/2 cup of warm water for about 1 hour.
How should the mushroom caps be prepared?
After soaking and draining, discard the tough stems and chop the caps finely.
What meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of finely ground lean pork.
What ingredients are mixed with the ground pork?
The pork is mixed with chopped mushrooms, a beaten egg, soy sauce, sugar, minced gingerroot, chopped water chestnuts, and scallion.
What is the recommended size for the pearl balls?
The meat mixture should be formed into small balls about 1 inch in diameter.
How do I coat the meat balls in rice?
Spread the soaked and dried rice on a baking sheet and roll each ball in it until fully coated.
Do the pearl balls need to be refrigerated before cooking?
Yes, they should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Can these pearl balls be frozen for later?
Yes, the pearl balls can be frozen after they have been coated in rice and before steaming.
What equipment is needed for steaming?
You can use a steamer set up in a large pan or a wok.
How much water should be in the steamer?
The water level should come within 1 inch of the steamer's bottom.
How long do the pearl balls need to steam?
They should be steamed for 30 minutes.
How should the pearl balls be arranged in the steamer?
Place them on the steamer racks ensuring they are spaced apart.
What dipping sauces are recommended?
They are best served with soy sauce or a spicy dipping sauce.
What type of ginger should I use?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 teaspoons of finely minced gingerroot.
Are the water chestnuts fresh or canned?
The recipe suggests 8 water chestnuts, preferably fresh, and finely chopped.
How should the scallion be prepared?
One scallion should be finely chopped.
What is the purpose of the egg in the mixture?
The lightly beaten egg acts as a binder for the pork and vegetable mixture.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of sugar.
How do you ensure the rice sticks to the balls?
By rolling the formed meat balls directly in the prepared sweet rice on a baking sheet.
What should I use to line the baking sheet during refrigeration?
Use waxed paper to line the sheet to prevent sticking.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features a tender, succulent pork interior with a delicate, chewy rice coating.
What are the primary flavors of Savory Chinese Pearl Balls?
They offer a rich umami flavor combined with aromatic ginger and crunchy water chestnuts.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, they are described as a delightful appetizer perfect for sharing at gatherings.
What is the total steaming time?
The total steaming time is 30 minutes once the water reaches a boil.
What should I do if the mushrooms are still tough after soaking?
Ensure you have discarded the stems and chopped the caps very finely as instructed.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients in this recipe.
Should the lid be on while steaming?
Yes, cover the pot tightly once the water is boiling to steam them effectively.