Savory Steamed Chicken Pearl Balls
Delight your taste buds with these Savory Steamed Chicken Pearl Balls, a charming dish that combines tender ground chicken or turkey with fragrant rice, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant green onions. Perfectly steamed to create a delightful texture reminiscent of pearls, these bite-sized morsels are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Serve them as an appetizer at a gathering or as a main dish alongside a light salad. This recipe is simple to prepare and provides a fulfilling, nutritious meal. Share this culinary treat with family and friends!
14
Servings
60
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked long-grain rice
1/2 cup (rinsed and soaked for 1 hour)
ground chicken or turkey
1/2 lb (raw)
finely chopped mushroom
1/2 cup (fresh)
minced green onion
1/2 cup (fresh)
low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon (liquid)
cornstarch
2 teaspoons (dry)
minced peeled gingerroot
1 teaspoon (fresh)
sugar
1/2 teaspoon (granulated)
dark sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon (liquid)
steamed green cabbage leaf
as needed (for lining the steamer)
Instructions
1
Start by rinsing the 1/2 cup of uncooked long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Place the rice in a bowl, cover it with water to ensure it is 1 inch above the rice, and let it soak for 1 hour.
2
After soaking, drain the rice well and spread it out in a shallow dish to dry for a few minutes.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken (or turkey), finely chopped mushrooms, minced green onions, low sodium soy sauce, cornstarch, minced gingerroot, sugar, and dark sesame oil. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4
Using a tablespoon, scoop the chicken mixture and form it into rounded balls, then roll each ball in the soaked rice until fully coated.
5
Prepare a bamboo steamer by lining it with steamed green cabbage leaves to prevent the balls from sticking. Arrange the rice-covered balls in the steamer, ensuring they are spaced about 1/2 inch apart for even cooking.
6
In a large skillet, fill with water to a depth of approximately 1 inch and bring it to a boil. Carefully place the bamboo steamer over the boiling water, cover it with the steamer lid, and steam the pearl balls for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
7
Once steamed, gently remove the pearl balls from the steamer and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
1.5g
Fat
7g
Carbs
3.7g
Protein
0.4g
Fiber
0.1g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Steamed Chicken Pearl Balls?
They are a decorative Asian-inspired dish made of seasoned ground chicken or turkey rolled in soaked long-grain rice and steamed until the rice resembles glistening pearls.
What kind of rice is best for pearl balls?
Uncooked long-grain white rice is recommended as it provides the classic 'pearl' texture and appearance when steamed.
How long should I soak the rice?
The rice needs to be soaked in water for at least 1 hour to ensure it softens enough to cook through during the steaming process.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute for ground chicken in this recipe and provides a similar flavor and texture.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of these chicken pearl balls contains approximately 60 calories.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe yields 14 servings, which typically equates to 14 individual pearl balls.
How do I prevent the pearl balls from sticking to the steamer?
Line the bamboo steamer with steamed green cabbage leaves before arranging the rice-covered balls.
How long do the balls need to steam?
The pearl balls should be steamed for approximately 20 minutes over boiling water.
What ingredients are used for seasoning the chicken?
The mixture includes low sodium soy sauce, minced gingerroot, sugar, dark sesame oil, and minced green onions.
Are these pearl balls gluten-free?
As written, they contain soy sauce which may have gluten. You can make them gluten-free by using a certified gluten-free tamari or soy sauce alternative.
Why is cornstarch used in the meat mixture?
Cornstarch acts as a binder to help the ground meat hold its shape and retain moisture during steaming.
Can I use dried ginger instead of fresh gingerroot?
While fresh gingerroot provides the best flavor, you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger if fresh is unavailable.
What type of mushrooms should I use?
Finely chopped fresh button or shiitake mushrooms work best for adding earthiness and texture to the filling.
How much fat is in this dish?
This is a low-fat dish with only 1.5 grams of fat per serving.
Can I prepare these in advance?
You can prepare the chicken mixture a few hours ahead of time, but it is best to roll them in rice and steam them fresh.
What is the purpose of dark sesame oil?
Dark sesame oil adds a rich, toasted nutty aroma and flavor essential to the Asian-inspired profile of the dish.
How far apart should the balls be in the steamer?
Place them about 1/2 inch apart to allow the steam to circulate and the rice to expand as it cooks.
Is there a specific way to rinse the rice?
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess surface starch.
Can I use a metal steamer basket instead of bamboo?
Yes, a metal steamer basket inside a large pot will work perfectly; just ensure it is lined so the rice doesn't stick.
What should I serve with chicken pearl balls?
They can be served as an appetizer on their own or as a main dish alongside a light garden salad or stir-fried vegetables.
How much protein is in each pearl ball?
Each serving contains about 3.7 grams of protein.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, once cooled, you can freeze them in an airtight container. Re-steam them for a few minutes until heated through when ready to eat.
What if I don't have cabbage leaves?
You can use parchment paper with small holes poked through it or lettuce leaves as a substitute for lining the steamer.
How much fiber is in this recipe?
There is a small amount of fiber, approximately 0.4 grams per serving.
Are these pearl balls kid-friendly?
Yes, their bite-sized shape and mild, savory flavor make them very appealing to children.
How much rice do I need for 1/2 pound of meat?
You will need 1/2 cup of uncooked long-grain rice to coat the meat balls made from 1/2 pound of chicken.
Can I add heat to the recipe?
Yes, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of Sriracha to the chicken mixture if you prefer a spicy kick.
What is the carbohydrate count?
Each pearl ball contains 7 grams of carbohydrates.
Should the chicken be cooked before forming the balls?
No, the ground chicken should be raw when mixed and formed; it cooks thoroughly during the 20-minute steaming process.
How do I know the rice is done?
The rice will look translucent and plump, and it should feel tender when tasted.