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

Looking for a dish that’s both sweet and savory, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion? Look no further than sweet and sour meatballs! This delicious recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

1. Great flavors: The combination of sweet pineapple juice and tangy vinegar creates a delicious sauce that perfectly complements the savory meatballs.
2. Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can have this dish ready in no time.
3. Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch of these meatballs and enjoy them throughout the week for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredient Notes:

• Ground beef: Adds richness and depth of flavor to the meatballs.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps the meatballs hold their shape.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and gives the meatballs a tender texture.
• Diced onion: Adds flavor and texture to the meatballs.
• Pineapple juice: Provides sweetness and acidity to the sauce.
• Soy sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor to the sauce.
• Distilled white vinegar: Adds tanginess to the sauce.
• Granulated sugar: Balances out the flavors in the sweet and sour sauce.
• Fresh pineapple, green bell pepper, carrot, and onion: Add freshness and crunch to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the ground beef, egg, cornstarch, salt, diced onion, and black pepper.
2. Shape the mixture into meatballs and brown them in a skillet with vegetable oil.
3. In another bowl, mix pineapple juice, cornstarch, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and sugar to make the sweet and sour sauce.
4. Add the sauce to the skillet with the meatballs, along with pineapple, bell pepper, carrot, and onion.
5. Simmer until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are tender.

Helpful Tips:

• For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables in this dish based on your preferences.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

1. To enhance the flavor of the meatballs, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
2. For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve these sweet and sour meatballs over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced and satisfying dinner.

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, adding a splash of water to the sauce if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?

• Yes, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs for a quicker version of this recipe.

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and assemble them when ready to cook.

1. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

• Yes, canned pineapple can be used as a substitute for fresh pineapple in this recipe.

1. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

• You can use plant-based meatballs and vegetable broth to make a vegetarian version of this dish.

Conclusion:

Get ready to impress your family and friends with these sweet and sour meatballs that are bursting with flavor. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and share your feedback with us – we’d love to hear how it turned out for you!

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