Sweet-And-Sour Chinese Meatballs
Sweet-and-sour Chinese meatballs combine tender beef with vibrant vegetables in a tangy, savory sauce. Perfect for casual dinners or entertaining, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors with a glossy, flavorful glaze that pairs wonderfully with rice.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. extra lean ground beef ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. grated fresh ginger root ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, cut into 1/4-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 carrot, grated ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 tsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dry sherry ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- Blend together ground beef, salt, pepper, and grated fresh ginger root.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or skillet; brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion, grated carrot, and cubed green pepper to the skillet.
- Pour in the vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and dry sherry.
- Dissolve the cornstarch into the cold chicken or beef broth and add to the skillet.
- Cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in finely chopped scallions or using ground pork instead of beef. If you don’t have dry sherry, a splash of white wine or rice vinegar can work as a substitute. Ensure the meatballs are evenly shaped for consistent cooking, and try baking them for a healthier option. Serve with rice or noodles to complement this dish, perfect for any Cantonese Dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sweet-and-sour meatballs over steamed rice or alongside a Rice-A-Roni Medley for a fulfilling meal. Pair with stir-fried vegetables for added color and nutrition. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch. This dish is a delightful addition to any family dinner or casual gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sweet-and-sour meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet-And-Sour Chinese Meatballs contains roughly 339 calories, with 3g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1784mg per serving (78% 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 use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be a leaner alternative to beef in this recipe. Just be mindful that turkey may require a slightly longer cooking time to achieve the same level of browning and flavor. Season the turkey mixture well to enhance its taste.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar on hand, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, honey or maple syrup can work, but keep in mind that they may alter the consistency of the sauce slightly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the vegetables. You can also serve the meatballs with a side of chili sauce or sriracha for those who prefer extra spice.
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).