Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Suan T’ien Niu Jou Po Lo La Tzu)

If you’re looking for a delicious and versatile dish, then sweet and sour meatballs are the perfect choice! This recipe combines savory meatballs with a tangy and sweet sauce, creating a flavor explosion that’s sure to impress your taste buds. Easy to make and great for any occasion, these meatballs are a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

  • The combination of sweet and sour flavors creates a delicious and unique taste sensation.
  • Quick and easy prep time makes this dish perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
  • Versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even as a party snack.

Ingredient Notes:

  • Ground beef: Provides the base for the meatballs, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken.
  • Pineapple juice: Adds a tropical sweetness to the sauce, but you can substitute with orange juice if needed.
  • Fresh pineapple: Adds a burst of freshness to the dish, but canned pineapple can be used as a substitute.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, egg, cornstarch, salt, diced onion, and black pepper.
  2. Shape the mixture into meatballs and brown them in a pan with vegetable oil.
  3. In a separate saucepan, combine pineapple juice, cornstarch, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and sugar to make the sweet and sour sauce.
  4. Add pineapple, bell pepper, carrot, and onion to the sauce and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
  5. Finally, add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer for a few more minutes.

Helpful Tips:

  • For a healthier option, you can bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying them.
  • To make the dish spicier, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Serve the meatballs over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

  1. Marinate the meatballs in soy sauce and garlic before cooking for added flavor.
  2. Use fresh, ripe pineapple for the best taste and texture in the dish.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve these sweet and sour meatballs with steamed white rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Suan T'ien Niu Jou Po Lo La Tzu)

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?
    Yes, you can use pre-made frozen meatballs for a quicker option.
  2. Is it necessary to use fresh pineapple in this recipe?
    Fresh pineapple adds a nice touch, but canned pineapple works just as well.
  3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and simply reheat before serving.
  4. How can I make the sauce thicker?
    Add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the sauce and simmer until thickened.

Conclusion:

Now that you have all the tips and tricks to make delicious sweet and sour meatballs, it’s time to get cooking! Whether you’re serving them for dinner or at a party, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy every bite of this flavorful dish!

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Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Suan T'ien Niu Jou Po Lo La Tzu)

Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Suan T’ien Niu Jou Po Lo La Tzu)

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian

Description

These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a delicious combination of juicy meatballs in a tangy, sweet sauce with pineapple and bell peppers. Perfect for a flavorful dinner!


Ingredients

Units Scale

Meatballs:

    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 1 egg
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 4 tablespoons diced onion
    • 1 pinch ground black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Sauce:

  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
  • 6 tablespoons water
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 slices fresh pineapple, cut into pieces
  • 1 large green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
  • 1/4 carrot, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 onion, cut into wedges and separated

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground beef, egg, cornstarch, salt, diced onion, and black pepper. Shape into meatballs.
  2. Cook the Meatballs: Heat oil in a pan and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove from pan and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same pan, combine pineapple juice, cornstarch, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and sugar. Stir until thickened.
  4. Finish the Dish: Add pineapple, bell pepper, carrot, and onion to the sauce. Simmer until vegetables are tender. Add meatballs back to the pan and coat with sauce.
  5. Serve: Serve the sweet and sour meatballs hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

  • You can customize the vegetables in the dish based on your preferences.
  • For a spicier version, add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
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