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

Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish for any occasion? Look no further than these Sweet and Sour Meatballs! Packed with great flavors and simple ingredients, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

1. The perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors.
2. Quick and easy prep time, ideal for busy weeknights.
3. Versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with rice or noodles.

Ingredient Notes:

• Ground beef: Adds a savory base to the meatballs.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
• Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the sauce.
• Salt and black pepper: Seasonings for the meatballs.
• Onion: Adds flavor to both the meatballs and sauce.
• Vegetable oil: Used for cooking the meatballs.
• Pineapple juice: Provides sweetness to the sauce.
• Soy sauce: Adds depth of flavor.
• Distilled white vinegar: Gives the sauce its tangy kick.
• Water: Helps to thin out the sauce.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the sauce.
• Fresh pineapple: Adds a tropical twist.
• Green bell pepper, carrot, and onion: Vegetables for added texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together 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. Cook until thickened.
4. Add pineapple, bell pepper, carrot, and onion to the sauce, then simmer until vegetables are tender.
5. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and let simmer until heated through.

Helpful Tips:

• For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• To make this dish ahead of time, prepare the meatballs and sauce separately, then combine and reheat before serving.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

1. For extra flavor, sauté the onions before adding them to the meatball mixture.
2. Use fresh pineapple for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve these Sweet and Sour Meatballs over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Pair with a side of stir-fried vegetables for added freshness.

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 ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce separately and combine before serving.
3. Can I freeze the meatballs?
   Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
4. What can I substitute for pineapple in this recipe?
   Mango or peach can be used as a substitute for pineapple.

Conclusion:

Don’t miss out on trying these delicious Sweet and Sour Meatballs! Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to impress. Share your feedback and enjoy!

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