Chinese pearl meatballs, also called Lion's head meatballs, are a delicious and iconic dish in Chinese cuisine. These meatballs are typically made with a mixture of ground pork, beef, or lamb, along with various seasonings and aromatics. They are often served in a savory sauce or broth, and can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or part of a larger meal. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to cooking Chinese pearl meatballs, including the necessary ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to ensure a flavorful and successful dish.
Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!
CHINESE PEARL MEATBALLS
These tasty meatballs are easy to make. Wonderful for your Chinese New Year celebration or as an addition to a holiday buffet. Some folks dye the glutinous rice with red or green for a holiday touch. Another serving idea is to whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and garlic to taste and sprinkle over the meatballs, rice, and some steamed vegetables.
Provided by Mom2MMJ
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian Chinese
Time 2h45m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Place the rice in a bowl with enough water to cover. Allow to soak 2 hours. Drain and pour onto a platter.
- Mix the ground pork, water, wine, cornstarch, soy sauce, onion, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl until all ingredients are evenly mixed. Divide and roll the mixture into balls 1-1/2 to 2 inches in size. Roll the meatballs in the soaked glutinous rice to coat completely.
- Line a large bamboo steamer with the cabbage leaves. Arrange the meatballs atop the cabbage leaves.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat; place a bamboo steamer over the boiling water. Steam the meatballs until no longer pink in the center, about 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 221.1 calories, Carbohydrate 14.2 g, Cholesterol 48.9 mg, Fat 10.9 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 14.9 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 582.5 mg, Sugar 1 g
CHINESE PEARL MEATBALLS
When my neighbor's daughter was dedicated they had a family lunch. I prepared an 8 course Chinese meal for them. Pearl Meatballs were a big hit that day, and I made them for their family many times after that day. The daughter is now in college and I made some last fall for them to take to their tailgate.
Provided by Marsha Gardner
Categories Meat Appetizers
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- 1. Soaked the rice for 2 hours. Mix the rest of the ingredients with ground pork in a mixing bowl and add 1 to 1.5 cups of water. Mix well and let sit for 30 minutes.
- 2. Spread out the soaked riced onto a plate. Roll the meat into a small ball with the help of a tablespoon.
- 3. Gently roll the meatball on the plate of rice to cover the meatball. Place onto a plate that can sit inside of the bamboo steamer.
- 4. Bring 1/2 pot of water to boil and place the stacked bamboo steamer (with the plated meatballs inside) on top. Make sure there's a good seal between the pot and the steamer. Steam for 30 minutes.
- 5. Take off the steamer from the pot and let it cool. Suggestion for plating: plate the meatballs on top of a bed of shredded lettuce and surround them by green broccoli or shredded green and red bell peppers.
- 6. DIPPING SAUCE: Mix all ingredients together and serve with pearl meatballs.
Tips:
- Choose the right pork. Ground pork shoulder is the best choice for pearl meatballs because it has a good balance of fat and lean meat. If you use ground pork loin, the meatballs may be too dry.
- Grind the pork yourself. This will give you more control over the texture of the meatballs. If you buy pre-ground pork, make sure it is finely ground.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic. This will give the meatballs the best flavor. If you use dried ginger or garlic, the flavor will be muted.
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing will make the meatballs tough. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined.
- Chill the meatball mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help the meatballs hold their shape.
- Cook the meatballs over medium heat. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from burning.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the meatballs. This will prevent them from cooking evenly. Cook the meatballs in batches if necessary.
- Serve the meatballs immediately. They are best when served hot and fresh.
Conclusion:
Chinese pearl meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main course. They are perfect for parties or potlucks. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make these meatballs at home. So next time you're looking for a new recipe to try, give these pearl meatballs a try. You won't be disappointed.
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