Chinese Sweet And Sour Meat Balls
Sweet and tangy meatballs with pineapple and green peppers, coated in a savory sweet and sour sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef with 1 teaspoon salt and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into 24 meatballs.
- Make batter by whisking eggs, flour, and remaining teaspoon of salt.
- Dip each meatball into the batter to coat.
- Heat oil in a skillet and brown the meatballs over low heat.
- Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet.
- Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of oil from the skillet.
- Add diced green peppers, beef broth, and pineapple chunks to the skillet.
- Cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar until smooth.
- Stir the mixture into the skillet and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and reheat for 5 minutes over low heat.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or ginger to the meat mixture. If you're looking for a lighter option, ground turkey can be used instead of beef. To enhance the sauce, you might substitute the cider vinegar with rice vinegar for a milder taste. Always ensure the meatballs are cooked through by checking their internal temperature, which should reach 160°F.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over steamed rice or with Chinese noodles for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Beef-N-Broccoli or a simple vegetable stir-fry for a colorful plate. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation. These sweet and sour meatballs also make a great appetizer for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover sweet and sour meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture, or microwave them in short intervals until heated through. Avoid reheating too long to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Sweet And Sour Meat Balls contains roughly 1661 calories, with 12g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 119g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2228mg per serving (97% 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 sweet and sour meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs both before and after cooking. If freezing before, shape the meatballs and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Cooked meatballs can be frozen in the sauce. Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with sweet and sour meatballs?
These meatballs go well with steamed rice or fried rice for a filling meal. You could also serve them with a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. For a lighter option, a simple green salad can complement the dish nicely.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, make sure to mix the cornstarch with a little cold water before adding it to the skillet. This prevents clumping. If the sauce is still too thin after cooking, you can simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to reduce and thicken it further.
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).