pearl meatballs

How to Make Savory Pearl Meatballs

Pearl meatballs, named for their glossy, pearl-like appearance, are a delightful dish featuring tender meatballs bathed in a rich, umami-rich sauce. Here’s a simple yet authentic recipe to recreate this classic at home.

Ingredients:

- 500g ground pork (or a mix of pork and beef)

- 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp white pepper

- 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 egg white (for tender texture)

- 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp ginger (grated)

- 1 cup chicken broth, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp sugar

- 2 green onions (chopped), 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Steps:

1. Prepare the meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground pork with soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, cornstarch, egg white, garlic, and ginger. Stir vigorously until the mixture becomes sticky. Chill for 15 minutes to enhance texture.

2. Shape and cook: Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat; sear the meatballs until golden on all sides (about 4-5 minutes). Remove and set aside.

3. Make the sauce: In the same pan, add chicken broth, oyster sauce, and sugar. Bring to a simmer, then return the meatballs to the pan. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Tip: For a juicier result, add a teaspoon of water to the meatball mixture. Enjoy these flavorful, restaurant-quality pearl meatballs in under 30 minutes!