Steamed Rice Pearl Balls With Spicy Mango Salsa Recipes

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.

SPICY MANGO SALSA

Steps:

• In a bowl, mix all ingredients. Chill before serving.

"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.