Pearl balls pork meatballs in sticky rice is an invigorating and delectable dish originating from the culinary traditions of the Philippines. This unique dish combines the savory flavors of pork meatballs with the delicate sweetness of sticky rice, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The tender pork meatballs, seasoned with aromatic spices, are wrapped in sticky rice and steamed to perfection, resulting in a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, this article will guide you through the essential steps in creating this delectable dish, offering tips and tricks to ensure that your pearl balls pork meatballs in sticky rice turn out perfectly every time.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
SWEET RICE MEATBALLS
Provided by Food Network
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Mix all the ingredients together except the sweet rice. Keep the mixture in the refrigerator until ready to use, so the meatballs will hold their shape. Take 1 1/2 heaping tablespoons of the meat mixture and quickly form into a ball. The balls should be about the size of a golf ball. Put one tablespoon of sweet rice in a strainer. By making left, right, front and back motions with the strainer, roll the meatball in the strainer until it is evenly coated with the rice. Move the strainer in circular motions a few times if the shape of the meatball is not even enough. Put the coated meatballs in a steamer, fill the bottom pot half full and steam for 15 minutes, starting the timer only after the water in the pot has come to a boil on high heat.
PORK & RICE MEATBALLS
My appetizer meatballs combine two of my favorite Asian dishes -Chinese pork dumplings and steamed chicken balls. -Elizabeth Dumont, Madison, MS
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Appetizers
Time 1h
Yield about 4 dozen (1 cup sauce).
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. In a small bowl, mix teriyaki sauce, ginger, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, salt and pepper. Pour over meat mixture; mix lightly but thoroughly (mixture will be soft). With wet hands, shape into 1-in. balls; roll in rice to coat evenly., Line a steamer basket with cabbage leaves or parchment paper if desired. Arrange meatballs in batches 1 in. apart in steamer basket; place in a Dutch oven over 1 in. of water. Bring to a boil; steam, covered, 15-20 or until rice is tender, adding additional water as necessary. In a small bowl, mix dipping sauce ingredients. Serve with meatballs.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 61 calories, Fat 1g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 6mg cholesterol, Sodium 240mg sodium, Carbohydrate 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.
STEAMED PEARL BALLS
These little pork-and-shrimp meatballs are rolled in raw rice, then steamed until the grains resemble shiny pearls.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers
Yield Makes 25 to 30
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Soak shrimp, if using, in just enough hot water to cover, until soft, about 30 minutes; drain. Place sweet rice in a bowl and cover with 3 cups water. Let stand about 30 minutes. Drain and set aside on a plate.
- Place pork in a large bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add shrimp, scallion, ginger, soy sauce, salt, cornstarch, and egg and mix until well combined.
- Dampen hands with cold water and roll 1 tablespoon of the pork mixture in palms to form a 1 1/4-inch-diameter ball. Roll the ball in the rice to completely cover with grains. Continue, using all the pork mixture.
- Fill a wok with 1 inch of water. Place a small heatproof bowl upside down in the center and then place a plate on top of the bowl, making a steaming rack. Cover the wok and bring the water to a boil. Place 12 to 14 pearl balls on the plate and steam, covered, until rice is cooked, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, fill a bamboo steamer with pearl balls and steam over the wok. Serve immediately.
PEARL MEATBALL
This is a commonly seen Chinese dish in Taiwan and also in cantonese cooking. The round meatball covered by sweet rice, which resembles a pearl. The round shape symbolizes fulfillment and success in the Chinese culture. It actually makes a very good appertizer or potluck dish!
Provided by LittleMiao
Categories Pork
Time 2h45m
Yield 18-24 meatballs
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Wash the sweet rice and soak the rice in water for at least 2 hours. Drain the water from the rice, and spread out the rice on a plate.
- Chop up green onion, ginger, and water chestnuts (if you prefer a crunchy bite of the meatball).
- Chop up the shrimp (Or squash 3-4 ct. of shrimps, then chop up the rest into small pieces and add all to the meat).
- Mix ground pork, chopped/squashed shrimps, chopped green onion, ginger, and seasonings until well blended (and become sticky).
- From the mixed meat, form into balls about the size of ping-pong balls. Roll each meatball in the soaked sweet rice, until the meatball is well coated.
- Arrange meatballs in a steamer and steam them over high heat for 12-15 minutes. Remove and serve. (Befroe serving, decorate with a dash of grated carrot on top of each meatball).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 105.3, Fat 3.9, SaturatedFat 1.2, Cholesterol 42.8, Sodium 123.4, Carbohydrate 9.7, Fiber 0.5, Sugar 0.3, Protein 7
Tips:
- Prepare the sticky rice in advance: Soaking the rice overnight or for at least 4 hours will ensure that it cooks evenly and has a tender texture.
- Use high-quality ground pork: Opt for ground pork with a good fat content (at least 20%) for more flavorful meatballs.
- Season the meatballs well: Don't be afraid to add plenty of aromatics and spices to the meatball mixture. This will enhance their flavor and make them more enjoyable.
- Brown the meatballs before simmering: This step adds a nice caramelized flavor to the meatballs and helps to keep them moist.
- Use a flavorful sauce: The sauce is what really brings the pearl balls together. Make sure to choose a sauce that is both sweet and savory, with a good balance of flavors.
- Serve the pearl balls hot: These meatballs are best enjoyed when they are freshly cooked and piping hot. Serve them with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
Pearl balls, also known as pork meatballs in sticky rice, are a delicious and popular dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. With a crispy outer layer and a tender, flavorful interior, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you are making them for a special occasion or just a casual weeknight meal, pearl balls are sure to please. So next time you are looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give these pork meatballs in sticky rice a try. You won't be disappointed!
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