Name: Rice-Studded Meatballs
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Yield: Makes 6 main-course or 10 first-course servings
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 to 4 outer leaves iceberg or romaine lettuce; 1 lb ground pork or veal or meatloaf mix; 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine (preferably Shaoxing) or medium-dry Sherry; 1 bunch scallions (white and pale green parts only), minced (1/3 cup); 1/2 cup diced (1/4 inch) rinsed and drained canned water chestnuts; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon egg white, lightly beaten; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon Asian sesame oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon white pepper; Special equipment: a large collapsible metal steamer rack

Image may contain Dish Food Meal Plant Vegetable and Rice

Rice-Studded MeatballsRomulo Yanes

These rice-coated meatballs, commonly referred to as zhen zhu, meaning "pearls" in Chinese, are often prepared at home in New York City's Chinatown. Steaming them on lettuce leaves helps prevent them from sticking to the steamer rack. They are traditionally made with sticky rice (sometimes called sweet rice), but we've used long-grain rice, which is easier to find.

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.