Meatballs Cantonese
Sweet and savory Cantonese meatballs with pineapple and green pepper, featuring a delightful blend of flavors and textures that appeal to family and casual diners alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, diced celery, diced almonds, seasoned salt, dry bread crumbs, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and eggs in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into 1/2-inch meatballs.
- Roll the meatballs in cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a skillet and brown the meatballs until cooked through.
- Reduce heat and simmer the meatballs for 15 minutes, turning often.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Blend remaining soy sauce, drained pineapple chunks, water to make 2 cups, and 3 tablespoons cornstarch in a bowl.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs and heat until thickened.
- Add green pepper slivers after the sauce and meatballs are heated through.
- Serve hot over rice if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some minced garlic or ginger to the meatball mixture. If you want a healthier twist, substitute ground turkey for ground beef. You can also use crushed walnuts instead of almonds. Make sure to roll the meatballs evenly for consistent cooking. If you prefer a thicker sauce, adjust the cornstarch accordingly. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy Chinese recipes with a twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs hot over a bed of fluffy rice, which helps soak up the savory sauce. For a complete meal, consider pairing with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. They also go well with a side of stir-fried greens, similar to Chandra'S Broccoli And Beef. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking, and cover until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring they are hot all the way through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatballs Cantonese contains roughly 1399 calories, with 15g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 133g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs before or after cooking. If freezing raw, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To cook from frozen, simply add extra time while browning and simmering.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs pair beautifully with steamed rice, which complements the savory sauce. You can also serve them alongside stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal or enjoy them in a lettuce wrap for a lighter option.
How can I adjust the spice level of the dish?
To increase the heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture or the sauce. Conversely, reduce the seasoned salt if you prefer a milder flavor. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
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).