Historically, pearl meatballs were eaten on festive occasions like birthdays or Chinese New Year, but is now served casually, such as in dim sum.[3] Pearl balls are a part of Mianyang Sanzheng ("The Three Steamed Dishes of Mianyang"), a famous dish in Hubei cuisine.
The meat mixture is formed into balls, then rolled and coated in glutinous rice, which is soaked beforehand but not cooked.[1] The balls are then steamed and served in bamboo steamers.
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Mianyang Sanzheng, a specialty in Hubei cuisine that contains pearl meatballs