Yunxiao Pork Meatballs 云霄水圆仔
Yunxiao Pork Meatballs is featured among the local specialties of Fujian.
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Yunxiao Pork Meatballs (云霄水圆仔) are large pork meatballs from Yunxiao (云霄) in Zhangzhou (漳州), Fujian, also called dà ròu wán ("大肉丸", big meatball). The Zhangzhou city government lists them among the city's local foods.
How it is made
Yunxiao Pork Meatballs are made from fresh lean meat from the pig's leg, seasoned with braising (lu) flavourings and a condiment called qianlu ("钱露"). The choice of meat is exacting: it should be cut no more than half an hour after slaughter, before the nerve tissue has died, and the pig must not be made to run before slaughter. Otherwise the meat loses its stickiness, the balls lose their crisp, tender bite and the flavour suffers.
Flavour and texture
The finished meatballs are white in colour, crisp yet tender to the bite, and fresh-tasting.
Where it comes from
It is said that the meatball first came to Yunxiao from the Chaoshan (潮汕) area of Guangdong, and that people in Yunxiao later adapted the method until it had a flavour of its own.
Sources & reading
Written from the linked sources and fact-checked against them on 2026-09-23. Recipes and servings vary between kitchens.