Chinese cuisine

Introduction

Shrimps balls, also known as Li Yu Qiu in Chinese, are a popular Cantonese dim sum dish that combines the delicate flavors of shrimp and pork. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to make at home. In this article, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of making shrimps balls from scratch, including the preparation of the filling, shaping the balls, and the cooking method.

Section 1: Preparation of the Filling

The first step in making shrimps balls is to prepare the filling. The filling typically consists of shrimp meat, pork, and some seasonings. Here are the ingredients you will need:

• 300g of shrimp meat (fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined)
• 200g of pork mince (preferably lean)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of chicken stock or water

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Chop the shrimp meat into small pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.
2. Add the pork mince to the bowl and mix well.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the mixture and mix again.
4. Season with salt, sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, white pepper, and chicken stock or water. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is optional but recommended for better results.

Section 2: Shaping the Balls

Once the filling has been prepared and chilled, it’s time to shape the shrimps balls. Here are the steps:

1. Wet your hands to prevent the filling from sticking to them.
2. Take a small portion (about 2 tablespoons) of the filling in your hand and shape it into a ball. Repeat this process until all the filling is used up.
3. Place the shaped balls on a tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Make sure there is enough space between each ball to prevent them from sticking together during cooking.
4. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate for another 30 minutes before cooking. This step helps to firm up the balls and make them easier to handle during cooking.

Section 3: Cooking the Shrimps Balls

There are several ways to cook shrimps balls, including steaming, boiling, or frying. Here, I will provide instructions for steaming the balls, which is one of the most popular methods.

1. Prepare a steamer by placing a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Make sure the water is not touching the bottom of the basket to prevent the balls from getting soggy.
2. Place the shrimps balls in the steamer basket, leaving some space between each ball to allow for proper steaming.
3. Cover the steamer and steam for about 10-12 minutes or until the balls are fully cooked and firm to the touch. You can test one ball by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the balls are ready.
4. Remove the shrimps balls from the steamer and serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce (such as soy sauce with chili oil or garlic oil). Alternatively, you can serve them as part of a larger meal or as an appetizer with other dim sum dishes.

Tips and Variations:

• If you prefer a more substantial filling, you can add other ingredients such as bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, or mushrooms to the mixture before shaping the balls.
• For a more authentic Cantonese flavor, consider using chicken fat or pork lard when frying the balls instead of vegetable oil. However, this method is less healthy and may not be suitable for everyone.
• You can also freeze the shaped balls before cooking if you want to save them for later use. Simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before steaming or boiling as directed above.
• As an alternative to steaming, you can boil the shrimps balls in a pot of simmering water for about 8-10 minutes or until they float to the surface. This method may result in slightly softer balls but still tastes delicious when served with dipping sauce or as part of a larger meal.
• Finally, don’t forget to enjoy your delicious homemade shrimps balls with friends and family! This dish is perfect for sharing and can be a great addition to any gathering or celebration.