Porcupine Meatballs

Ingredients

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

Directions

1. 1. Put half the shrimp in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
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).
3. 3. Transfer to a bowl and add the scallions, soy sauce, and ginger, then mix by hand until well combined.
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.
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.