Chinese Meatballs
Chinese Meatballs offer a savory combination of seasoned ground beef, crunchy nuts, and a tangy pineapple glaze. Perfect for casual dinners or gatherings, their sweet and salty flavors appeal to a wide range of tastes, bringing a delightful Asian-inspired dish to your table with a balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 3/4 cup minced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 cup ground toasted pecans or almonds
- 1 (15 1/2 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons oil ⓘ
- 1 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1 green pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, minced celery, bread crumbs, soy sauce, salt, beaten eggs, and minced garlic; shape into 1-inch meatballs.
- Dredge the meatballs in 1/2 cup cornstarch to coat evenly.
- Pour oil into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan and heat.
- Add meatballs to the pan and bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes until cooked through.
- Drain the meatballs and set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine pineapple chunks, sugar, chicken broth, and vinegar; bring to a boil.
- Add green pepper strips and cook until tender.
- Serve the meatballs with the pineapple sauce poured over.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced ginger or scallions to the meatball mixture. If you don't have ground beef, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Ensure the meatballs are well-coated in cornstarch for a crispier texture. Experiment with different nuts like cashews if you prefer, and adjust the sweetness of the sauce by modifying the sugar amount.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious pineapple sauce. They also pair well with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, try serving them as an appetizer with toothpicks at your next gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of chicken broth to keep them moist, covering with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Meatballs contains roughly 933 calories, with 8g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1719mg per serving (75% 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 freeze the meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs before or after baking. To freeze before baking, shape them and place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. For baked meatballs, let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I use instead of pineapple chunks?
If you prefer not to use pineapple, consider substituting with diced peaches or apricots for a similar sweetness. Alternatively, you can create a savory sauce using bell peppers and a splash of orange juice for a different flavor profile while maintaining the dish's essence.
How do I make the meatballs more tender?
To ensure tender meatballs, avoid overmixing the ingredients, as this can lead to a denser texture. Additionally, adding a bit of milk or a splash of broth to the mixture can help keep them moist. Baking at the right temperature and not overcooking them is also essential for tenderness.
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).