Oriental Meat Balls
Oriental Meat Balls offer a flavorful combination of savory meat, pineapple, ginger, and soy sauce, making them a delightful dish suited for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground meat ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. fat or oil ⓘ
- 1/3 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 c. pineapple chunk ⓘ
- 1/4 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ginger
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/4 c. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 large tomato ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground meat, bread crumbs, chopped onion, dry mustard, salt, pepper, beaten egg, and milk in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into meat balls.
- Brown the meat balls in fat or oil in a skillet.
- Pour off any dripping fat.
- Drain pineapple chunks and reserve 1/2 cup pineapple juice.
- In a separate bowl, mix sugar, ginger, salt, and cornstarch.
- Add 1/2 cup pineapple juice, vinegar, and soy sauce to the dry mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Add the sauce to the browned meat balls and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add tomato wedges, green pepper strips, and pineapple chunks.
- Cook until heated through and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats like pork and beef. If you're out of bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oats can serve as a great substitute. To give a twist, add a splash of sesame oil to the sauce. Adjust the sweetness to your taste by modifying the brown sugar or using honey. Fresh ginger can enhance the flavor over dried.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice, which complements the sweet and tangy sauce beautifully. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad pairs well, adding a crisp contrast. For a more filling meal, consider serving with a Rice Creole Dish or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and keep them moist. Alternatively, reheat in a microwave until warmed through, taking care not to overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oriental Meat Balls contains roughly 1194 calories, with 5g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 116g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1908mg per serving (83% 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
How do I ensure my meatballs are moist?
To keep your meatballs tender and moist, avoid overmixing the ingredients. Incorporating milk and an egg helps bind the mixture while adding moisture. Also, don’t skip browning them in oil, as this locks in flavor and moisture before adding to the sauce.
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).