Best 2 Pearl Balls Pork Meatballs In Sticky Rice Recipes

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**Pearl Balls: A Culinary Symphony of Pork Meatballs and Sticky Rice**

In the realm of culinary delights, few dishes can rival the allure of pearl balls, a delectable fusion of pork meatballs and sticky rice that has captivated taste buds for generations. Originating from the vibrant tapestry of Chinese cuisine, this dish showcases the harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors, creating an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

This comprehensive guide unveils the secrets behind crafting these culinary gems, presenting a collection of recipes that cater to diverse dietary preferences and culinary skill levels. Embark on a culinary journey as you discover the secrets of traditional pearl balls, vegetarian pearl balls, and even air-fried pearl balls—a healthier twist on this classic dish.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice cook, this guide provides step-by-step instructions, insightful tips, and a treasure trove of variations to inspire your culinary creativity. Immerse yourself in the art of making pearl balls, transforming simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave a lasting impression on your palate.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

"PEARL BALLS" - PORK MEATBALLS IN STICKY RICE



Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 12h45m

Yield About 18 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 11

One 12-ounce piece boneless, skinless pork belly or ground pork
One 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
1 shallot
1/2 cube vegetable bouillon
1 teaspoon cornstarch, plus more for rolling
1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1 teaspoon Shaoshing rice wine
Sea salt and freshly ground white pepper
1 large egg yolk, beaten
1/2 cup glutinous white rice, soaked overnight in cold water and drained
Black rice vinegar, chili oil, or soy sauce, for dipping, optional

Steps:

  • Put the pork on a large cutting board and very finely mince it with a sharp, heavy knife or cleaver until the fat is broken down (or use 2 large heavy cleavers to get the job done quicker!). Spread out the pork into a thin layer on the board. Grate the ginger, shallot and bouillon over the meat using a fine grater, and then sprinkle on the cornstarch, five-spice, Shaoshing, salt, pepper and egg yolk. Mix well until combined using a knife or spatula.
  • Put some cornstarch in a shallow bowl. Roll the pork mixture into ping pong ball-size meatballs, and then roll in the cornstarch to lightly coat. Shake off the excess and transfer the meatballs to a plate.
  • Using wet hands, put some of the soaked rice in your palm and roll the meatball in it with your hands, pressing gently, until evenly coated in rice. Continue rolling until the meatballs are all coated with the rice.
  • Fill a wok one-third full with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Put a shallow flat bowl or plate with a lip into a bamboo steamer basket (make sure the plate is at least 1/2 inch smaller than the diameter of the basket) and evenly space the rice balls on the plate, being sure they do not touch each other. Cover the basket with the lid and lower it into the wok. Steam the meatballs, adding water to the wok as necessary to prevent the basket from scorching, until set and firm, 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Carefully remove the rice balls from the steamer and transfer to a platter. Serve the meatballs with toothpicks on the side for skewering and dipping into vinegar, chili oil, or soy sauce.

STEAMED RICE PEARL BALLS WITH SPICY MANGO SALSA



Steamed Rice Pearl Balls with Spicy Mango Salsa image

Provided by Ming Tsai

Categories     appetizer

Time 5h

Yield 2 dozen small balls

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 cups glutinous rice
1 pound ground pork
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/2 tablespoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch
4 dried shiitakes, rinsed, soaked for 30 minutes, de-stemmed and finely diced
8 medium fresh shiitakes, de-stemmed and finely diced
8 fresh water chestnuts, peeled and finely diced (canned will work, rinse well)
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
2 ripe mangoes, peeled and finely diced
1 small red onion, finely diced
1 jalepeno, de-stemmed, finely diced with seeds
1/4 cup sliced scallions
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1/2 tablespoon sambal
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Soak the rice in a bowl of cold water for at least 4 hours, or overnight. Strain and dry on a clean towel. In a bowl, combine the pork, egg, soy, sugar, pepper, ginger and cornstarch. Mix well then add the dried and fresh shiitakes, water chestnuts and cilantro. Using wet hands, make small balls the size of a ping-pong ball, then roll them in the soaked rice. Press the rice in firmly. In a large steamer basket (or 2 levels) sprayed with a non-stick spray, place the balls, cover and steam hard for 30 to 35 minutes. Make sure there is a lot of water to keep the steam going strong.
  • PLATING: Place a small bowl of chutney in the center of a clear plate glass plate and surround with rice balls. Place glass plate on top of another plate filled with rice.
  • SPICY MANGO SALSA: In a bowl, combine all. Let stand for at least 30 minutes so flavors blend.

Tips:

  • Soak the sticky rice: Soaking the sticky rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking will help it to cook more evenly and give it a better texture.
  • Use a meat grinder: Grinding the pork will help to create a smoother and more uniform texture for the meatballs.
  • Season the meatballs well: Don't be afraid to season the meatballs generously with salt, pepper, and other spices. This will help to give them a lot of flavor.
  • Brown the meatballs before simmering: Browning the meatballs in a pan before simmering them in the sauce will help to give them a nice caramelized flavor.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
  • Serve the meatballs with rice: Pearl balls are traditionally served with rice, but you can also serve them with noodles or mashed potatoes.

Conclusion:

Pearl balls are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The combination of sticky rice, pork meatballs, and savory sauce is sure to please everyone at the table. With a little planning and effort, you can create a dish that is both flavorful and visually appealing. So next time you're looking for a new recipe to try, give pearl balls a try. You won't be disappointed!

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