Tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a bright, glossy sweet and sour sauce — this dish brings comforting Chinese-inspired flavors to your table in under an hour.
Origin Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Suan T’ien Niu Jou Po Lo La Tzu)
Inspired by the sweet and sour flavor profile beloved in Chinese cuisine, this dish is a home-style adaptation featuring meatballs instead of traditional pork or chicken pieces. The name Suan T’ien Niu Jou Po Lo La Tzu reflects the sweet (suan t’ien), tangy, and rich flavors of this fusion-style creation.
What I Love About This Recipe
It’s a flexible, family-friendly recipe that can be served as an appetizer or main course. The balance of sweet and sour sauce with the savory meatballs is addictive — great with steamed rice or noodles.
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Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Suan T’ien Niu Jou Po Lo La Tzu)
4
servings20
minutes30
minutes340
kcalIngredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
¼ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
½ cup ketchup
½ cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
⅓ cup sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
½ cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 small onion, cut into chunks
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs (about 1–1½ inches).
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Fry meatballs in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and water. Bring to a simmer. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- In the same skillet or wok, stir-fry bell peppers, onion, and pineapple for 2–3 minutes.
- Add meatballs to the pan and pour over the sweet and sour sauce. Gently toss to coat evenly.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the meatballs are heated through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- You can substitute ground pork or chicken for the beef.
- Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce to your preference.
- Double the sauce if you like your meatballs extra saucy!
