Pearl Balls

Pear Balls Recipe - American Cuisine

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pearl balls are a delicious and savory Chinese dish made with glutinous rice and ground pork. These flavorful balls are steamed to perfection and make for a great appetizer or main dish.

History

Pearl balls have been a popular dish in Chinese cuisine for many years. The combination of glutinous rice and ground pork creates a unique texture and flavor that is loved by many.

Ingredients

1 cup of glutinous rice
1 lb (454 g) of pork or ground pork
1 - 2 green onions
2 slices of fresh ginger
1 egg
2 tbsp of light soy sauce
1 tbsp of sherry
1 tbsp of water
2 tsp of cornstarch
1 tsp of sugar
0.5 tsp of salt (or to taste)

How to prepare

Soak the glutinous rice in water for at least 6 – 8 hours (preferably overnight). Drain the rice well using a sieve or colander. Ensure that the rice is completely dry before using it.
If you are not using ground Pork, mince or grind the Pork. Finely mince the ginger and chop the green onions. In a bowl, lightly beat the egg and combine it with the light soy sauce, sherry, water, cornstarch, sugar, and salt.
Take approximately 1 tbsp of the mixture and shape it into a ball. Repeat this step with the remaining Pork mixture. Gently roll the Pork balls in the dried glutinous rice until they are fully coated.
Arrange the porkballs on a heatproof dish, leaving a gap of 0.5 to 1 inch between each ball. Place the dish on a rack inside a pot, cover it, and steam over boiling water for 25 – 35 minutes. Pearl balls are typically served with soy sauce.
Variation: You can add a few Chinese black mushrooms or water chestnuts to the Pork mixture for added flavor.

Variations

You can add Chinese black mushrooms or water chestnuts to the pork mixture for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soak the glutinous rice for at least 6-8 hours to ensure it is fully hydrated before using.

- Be sure to fully coat the pork balls in the dried glutinous rice for a crispy outer layer.

- Steam the pearl balls over boiling water for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

Pearl balls can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish with steamed vegetables or rice.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming is the best cooking technique for pearl balls to ensure they are cooked through and retain their shape.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground chicken or turkey instead of ground pork for a lighter version of pearl balls.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pork mixture and shape the balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to steam.

Presentation Ideas

Serve pearl balls on a decorative platter with a side of soy sauce for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

Pearl balls pair well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover pearl balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or steam until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of pearl balls contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of pearl balls contains approximately 25g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of pearl balls contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of pearl balls contains approximately 20g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Pearl balls are a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

Pearl balls contain soy and eggs.

Summary

Pearl balls are a balanced dish with a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They are a great source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Pearl balls are a delicious and savory Chinese dish made with glutinous rice and ground pork. They are easy to make and are sure to be a hit at your next meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Pearl Balls. It was a sunny afternoon in the summer of 1965, and I was visiting my dear friend Lily at her quaint little cottage by the sea. Lily was a master in the kitchen, and she had a way of creating the most delicious dishes out of the simplest ingredients.

As we sat at her kitchen table, sipping on tea and nibbling on homemade scones, Lily suddenly jumped up and disappeared into her pantry. She rummaged around for a few minutes before emerging triumphantly with a tattered old cookbook in hand.

"Ah-ha! I knew I had it somewhere," she exclaimed, flipping through the pages with excitement. "Here it is, my dear. The recipe for Pearl Balls."

I peered over her shoulder, curiosity piqued. The recipe called for a mixture of ground pork, shrimp, water chestnuts, and seasonings, all rolled into small balls and coated in glutinous rice flour before being fried to a golden crisp. The combination of flavors sounded simply divine.

Lily had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She explained that Pearl Balls were traditionally served at special occasions and family gatherings, symbolizing good luck and prosperity.

I was enchanted by the story behind the recipe and begged Lily to teach me how to make it. She gladly obliged, guiding me through each step with patience and precision. As we worked side by side in her cozy kitchen, I marveled at the way the simple ingredients came together to create something so delicious and satisfying.

After hours of chopping, mixing, and rolling, we finally sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The Pearl Balls were a hit, with their crispy exterior and tender, flavorful filling. I knew then and there that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the art of making Pearl Balls, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I experimented with different seasonings, added a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor, and even tried substituting ground chicken for pork on occasion.

Whenever I made Pearl Balls, I couldn't help but think of Lily and the special bond we shared over our love of cooking. She had taught me not just a recipe, but a valuable lesson in the importance of tradition and family heritage.

I made sure to pass the recipe down to my own children and grandchildren, instilling in them a love for good food and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones. To this day, Pearl Balls remain a staple at family gatherings and celebrations, a reminder of the bond that connects us through generations.

As I look back on that fateful day in Lily's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of the Pearl Balls recipe. It has brought me joy, connection, and a sense of belonging to something greater than myself. And for that, I will always be grateful.