Glutinous rice coats a savory meat or sweet filling, creating a pearly, jewel-like appearance when steamed. These elegant family appetizers or dim sum items are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Rinse the glutinous rice until water runs clear, then soak it in cold water for at least 2 hours and drain well before using.
Finely chop the water chestnut, green onion, and carrot; in a large mixing bowl, combine them with the ground pork.
Add soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper to the pork mixture, then stir vigorously in one direction until the filling becomes sticky and well integrated.
With damp hands, scoop 1 tablespoon of the pork mixture and roll it into a tight ball, then roll the ball gently in the soaked glutinous rice until evenly coated.
Place completed rice balls onto a parchment-lined steamer basket, ensuring none are touching, and steam over high heat for 20–25 minutes until the rice turns translucent and the filling is cooked through.