Porcupine Meatballs

Asian-inspired shrimp meatballs coated in short-grain rice, giving them a spiky 'porcupine' appearance. These delicate steamed meatballs combine succulent shrimp with fresh ginger, scallions, and soy sauce for a light yet flavorful dish.

4 servings
27 min

Ingredients

  • 1 pound uncooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • ½ cup short-grain rice (such as arborio), soaked in 2 cups very hot water for 2 hours
  • 4 leaves Cabbage or lettuce leaves
  • ¼ cup Ponzu sauce (available at Asian specialty stores) or more soy sauce

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    1. Put half the shrimp in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.

    3 min

  2. 2.

    2. Add the rest and pulse a few more times (half the mixture will serve as a binding paste; the rest will remain roughly chopped).

    2 min

  3. 3.

    3. Transfer to a bowl and add the scallions, soy sauce, and ginger, then mix by hand until well combined.

    3 min

  4. 4.

    4. Drain the rice and spread it on a plate. Form the shrimp mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls. Roll each in the rice.

    10 min

  5. 5.

    5. Line a steamer basket with the leaves. Add the meatballs and steam until the rice is cooked and the shrimp is pink, 8 to 9 minutes. Serve with the ponzu or soy sauce.

    9 min

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