Bewitching Bites- Celestial Pearls

Published on 28 March 2026 at 20:34

Pearl Meatballs are exquisite bites filled with flavors that will elevate your culinary experience. They are simple to prepare, making them a perfect choice for a busy weeknight, yet they possess an elegance that makes them ideal for a sophisticated stargazing picnic.

 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup glutinous rice  (you can soak the rice overnight to prep for the next day, but a minimum of 2 hours soaking time is needed)
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 inch knob of ginger, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

                         

                        Directions

                        1.  Wash the glutinous rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Let the rice soak in water for a minimum of 2 hours, then drain thoroughly and set aside for coating the meatballs.
                        2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: ground pork, soy sauce, rice wine, oyester sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, white pepper, green onions, ginger, garlice, egg.
                        3. Mix thoroughly.
                        4. Sift the cornstarch onto the mixture and mix quickly until all ingredients are thouroughly combined.  You don't want clumps of cornstarch forming.
                        5. Using wet hands, shape the pork mixture into meatballs, each about 1 inch in diameter.
                        6. Coat each meatball in the glutinous rice, rolling it gently so the rice sticks to the meatball and does not fall off.
                        7. Line a Steamer backet with either parchment paper, or cabbage leaves, to prevent meatballs from sticking to the basket, ensure to run the parchment or cabbage leaves along the inside wall. l.
                        8. Place the meatballs in the steaming basket, allowing some room between them.
                        9. Boil water in a pot. Position the steamer basket over the pot, being sure that it does not make contact with the water itself.
                        10. Steam over moderately high heat for about 25-30 minutes, covered.
                        11. Steam the meatballs until the rice is translucent and the meat is cooked through.
                        12. Serve the pearl meatballs hot, garnished with additional chopped green onions