Description
An auspicious Dim Sum essential for banquets and New Year in Hubei. Pork meatballs mixed with water chestnuts are completely coated in soaked 'glutinous rice', then steamed in a bamboo basket. The steamed rice glows white like pearls (Zhen Zhu).
Restaurants serving Pearl Meatballs (Hubei Sticky Rice Meatballs)
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We are researching restaurants that serve this dish.
On this site you can check dictionary details and, later, places to buy or eat related items.
The Recipe section below is a general reference, not a recipe from the listed shops.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Glutinous rice
- Minced pork
- Water chestnut(or lotus root)
- Egg white
- Scallion
- Ginger
- Sesame oil
- Soy sauce
Instructions
- [Authentic Recipe]
- Soak glutinous rice for hours and drain completely.
- Mix minced pork with finely diced water chestnuts (or lotus root), scallion, and ginger.
- Add salt, soy, wine, sesame oil, egg white, and starch; mix vigorously in one direction until sticky.
- Roll into ping-pong-sized balls.
- Roll the meatballs over the soaked sticky rice until completely coated without gaps.
- Line a steamer with parchment (or lotus leaf) and arrange the balls.
- Steam on high for 15-
- mins until meat is cooked and the rice glows translucent.
Learn more Spice, substitutes, tips
Key spices
Sweetness of glutinous rice and crunchy texture of inner water chestnuts、中のクワイ（レンコン）のシャキシャキ食感
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
Can be perfectly made with JP minced pork, lotus root, and glutinous rice
Pairing
Oolong Tea / Soup
Trivia
One of the traditional steamed dishes of Hubei called 'Mian Yang San Zheng'. The round shape symbolizes family reunion and harmony, making it a mandatory dish at weddings and celebrations.
Eating tips & etiquette
Take a whole bite while hot. The contrast between the chewy outer rice, inner meat juices, and crunchy water chestnuts is fantastic. Delicious eaten with a dash of soy or black vinegar.
Allergen
Pork, Eggs, Soybeans, Wheat, Sesame