At the table
Eat the cooked balls in small bites with a spoon or chopsticks. They may be served in soup, with rice noodles or stir-fried; choose the serving style before ordering. Ask whether the meat is pork or beef.
The name does not mean an egg filling. This version contains pork; other versions and accompanying soup or sauces may use different ingredients. Confirm any allergen concern with the seller rather than assuming every meatball is egg- or starch-free.
The name does not mean an egg filling. This version contains pork; other versions and accompanying soup or sauces may use different ingredients. Confirm any allergen concern with the seller rather than assuming every meatball is egg- or starch-free.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
The name does not mean an egg filling. This version contains pork; other versions and accompanying soup or sauces may use different ingredients. Confirm any allergen concern with the seller rather than assuming every meatball is egg- or starch-free.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Yulin roudan means springy meatballs, despite a name that literally includes “egg.” This pork version has a pale, fine-textured center and a savory, bouncy bite. Beef versions are also made.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Yulin roudan means springy meatballs, despite a name that literally includes “egg.” This pork version has a pale, fine-textured center and a savory, bouncy bite. Beef versions are also made.
- How it’s made
- Lean pork is trimmed and repeatedly pounded into a fine paste. Food-grade alkaline water, salt and MSG are mixed in; the paste is beaten, formed into small balls and gently poached in water.
The name does not mean an egg filling. This version contains pork; other versions and accompanying soup or sauces may use different ingredients. Confirm any allergen concern with the seller rather than assuming every meatball is egg- or starch-free.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Guangxi.
About this regional connection
Guangxi: Yulin; representative pork version follows Shinan, Xingye craft.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有玉林肉蛋吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Yulin pounded pork balls
Shinan in Xingye, Yulin, is known for meatball makers who pound meat and beat the paste to develop its springy texture. Local food culture uses these balls in soups and stir-fries as well as festive meals. The craft was listed as municipal intangible cultural heritage in 2017.