Steamed Pears with Rock Sugar
A comforting Chinese dessert where tender pears are steamed with sweet rock sugar and plump goji berries. The natural sweetness of the fruit melds with the caramel notes of the sugar, creating a silky, soothing treat perfect for cool evenings.
Story
This traditional remedy-turned-dessert has been beloved in Chinese households for generations. The slow steaming coaxes out the pear's natural sweetness while the rock sugar creates a silky syrup that coats each spoonful. Goji berries add a subtle earthiness and a pop of color.
Ingredients
ripe pears (snow pears or Bartlett)
2 medium
rock sugar or candied sugar
2 tablespoons (about 30g)
dried goji berries
15 berries
water (for steaming)
2 cups
Instructions
1
Prepare the pears
Gently rinse the pears under cool running water and pat dry. Using a melon baller or small paring knife, carefully remove the core from the bottom of each pear, creating a deep cavity. Leave the stems intact for presentation.
2
Fill the cavities
Divide the rock sugar evenly between the two pears, dropping the crystals into the hollowed centers. Scatter the goji berries on top, nestling them into the sugar.
3
Steam until tender
Place the prepared pears in a heatproof bowl or steaming rack. Steam over boiling water for 18-20 minutes, until the pears are fork-tender and the sugar has melted into a glossy syrup. The goji berries will plump up and turn bright red.
4
Serve warm
Carefully remove the pears from the steamer and let cool slightly. Drizzle the accumulated syrup from the bowl over the pears. Serve warm as is, or with a spoon to scoop out the soft flesh and syrup.
