Chinese Meat Loaf
A savory Chinese-inspired meat loaf glazed with a tangy tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the tomato sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and prepared mustard; then simmer.
- In a separate bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and add half of the sauce mixture, mixing well.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
- Pour the remaining half of the sauce on top of the loaf.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some minced garlic or ginger with the meat mixture. If you don't have saltines, crushed breadcrumbs can be a good substitute. You can also experiment with different types of ground meat, such as turkey or pork. To enhance the sauce, a splash of soy sauce can provide an additional depth to the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chinese Meat Loaf with a side of steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Paul'S Stir-Fried Rice With Ground Beef for a hearty dinner. For a lighter option, a simple cucumber salad can balance the richness of the loaf. Don't forget to drizzle some of the remaining sauce over the top for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chinese Meat Loaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Meat Loaf contains roughly 693 calories, with 31g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (62% of the Daily Value) and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 574mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other meats like turkey or ground pork. Each will bring a different flavor profile to the dish, and you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the fat content of the meat used.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Chinese Meat Loaf gluten-free, substitute the crushed saltines with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Also, ensure that the tomato sauce and any other sauces used do not contain gluten.
What can I serve with Chinese Meat Loaf?
Chinese Meat Loaf pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice. For a refreshing contrast, a side of stir-fried vegetables or a green salad can complement the dish nicely. You could also serve it with some homemade Teriyaki Canapes for an appetizer.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).