[1][2] They are usually made of ground pork and vegetables, then covered in glutinous rice and steamed.

Historically, pearl meatballs were eaten on festive occasions like birthdays or Chinese New Year, but is now served casually, such as in dim sum.

Pearl meatballs are made with ground pork, mixed with sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, pepper, diced vegetables, and starch or egg white for thickening.

The most commonly used vegetables include ginger, water chestnut, scallions, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and lotus root.

The meat mixture is formed into balls, then rolled and coated in glutinous rice, which is soaked beforehand but not cooked.