Pearl Balls Recipes

PEAR-PECAN CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• Stir cream cheese, Cheddar, pear, scallion white, salt, and pepper together in a medium bowl.
• Coat a large piece of plastic wrap with cooking spray. Scoop the cheese mixture onto it. Using the plastic wrap to help you, form the cheese mixture into a ball, then completely wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 2 days.
• Just before serving, combine pecans and the reserved scallion greens in a shallow dish. Roll the cheese ball in the mixture, pressing to adhere.

"PEARL BALLS" - PORK MEATBALLS IN STICKY RICE

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

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.

PEARL BALLS

Steps:

• Rinse rice under cold water, then soak for 4 hours. Drain and spread on a baking sheet lined with a dish towel.
• Coarsely chop chicken and pork in a food processor. Set aside. In a small saute pan over medium-high heat, cook mushrooms in sesame oil until soft, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• Combine chicken, pork, and mushrooms with remaining ingredients, except rice, in a large bowl. Pinch off bits of the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. Roll balls in soaked rice to coat completely. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment or waxed paper. Chill for at least 1 hour. (You can also refrigerate for up to a day or freeze, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, until ready to cook.)
• Set bamboo steamer in a wok and add enough water to come to within 1 inch of the bottom of the steamer. Bring to a boil, place rice balls on the steamer rack 1 inch apart, cover, and steam for 30 minutes. Serve hot.

PEARL BALLS

Steps:

• Soak the glutinous rice in water overnight; drain well in a colander.
• Mince the pork and the ginger and green onions. Lightly beat the egg and combine in a bowl with the light soy sauce, wine, water, cornstarch, sugar, and the salt.
• Take about 1 tablespoon of filling and form into a ball with the rest of the pork mixture. Roll the pork balls lightly over the dried glutinous rice until they are completely coated. Place the pork balls on a heat proof dish 1/2 to 1" apart place the dish on a rack in a pot, cover and steam over boiling water for between 25 - 35 minutes.

STEAMED PEARL BALLS

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.

CHINESE PEARL BALLS (APPETIZERS)

Steps:

• Soak the rice in water to cover for 4 hours. Drain and pat dry. Soak the mushrooms in 1/2 cup warm water for 1 hour. Drain and discard the tough stems. Chop the caps finely.
• Mix together all the ingredients, except the rice, until well blended. Your hands are best for this job. Form balls 1 inch in diameter.
• Spread the rice on a baking sheet. One at a time, roll the pearl balls in it, coating completely. Set the balls on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Refrigerate. The balls can be frozen at this point.
• To steam pearl balls, put steamer in a pan or wok and add water so that it comes to within 1 inch of steamer bottom. Put balls on steamer racks. Bring to boil. Cover and steam for 30 minutes. Serve hot.
• Martha Stewart Entertaining.