Oriental Meat Loaf
Oriental Meat Loaf offers a savory blend of ground beef with water chestnuts, green pepper, and soy sauce, ideal for a flavorful, family-friendly dinner with an Asian twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, beaten eggs, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, chopped water chestnuts, catsup, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into a 10 x 5-inch slightly round loaf and place in a 2 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Cover with waxed paper and microwave at High for 14 to 18 minutes or until firm to touch.
- Turn the dish a half turn after 7 minutes for even cooking.
- Drain off excess drippings. Use a custard cup to keep the loaf in shape during cooking if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can substitute the water chestnuts with chopped mushrooms or bell peppers if unavailable. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of chili sauce or sriracha to the mixture. To ensure even cooking, check the loaf's temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 160°F.
Serving Suggestions
This Oriental Meat Loaf pairs beautifully with steamed rice or a fresh salad. Serve it alongside your favorite Asian-inspired side dishes, such as Chinese Beef And Rice or Mom'S Chop Suey, for a complete meal. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place slices in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oriental Meat Loaf contains roughly 389 calories, with 9g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (164% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. 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 make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, shape it and follow the microwave instructions. This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce. For a different flavor profile, you can also use Worcestershire sauce, though it will change the taste slightly.
How do I prevent the meatloaf from drying out?
To keep the meatloaf moist, avoid overmixing the ingredients, as this can make it dense. Incorporating finely chopped vegetables and using eggs helps retain moisture. Additionally, covering the dish while microwaving is essential to prevent drying out.
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).