Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Suan T'ien Niu Jou Po Lo La Tzu) Recipe

Name: Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Suan T'ien Niu Jou Po Lo La Tzu)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon salt; 4 tablespoons diced onion; 1 pinch ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 cup pineapple juice; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar; 6 tablespoons water; 0.5 cup granulated sugar; 4 slices fresh pineapple, cut into pieces; 1 large green bell pepper, cut into thin strips; 0.25 carrot, thinly sliced; 0.33333334326744 onion, cut into wedges and separated

Cook Time: 30 minutes

This delicious Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe brings together tender ground beef meatballs with a tangy, sweet sauce made from pineapple juice, vinegar, and soy sauce. Perfect for a family meal, it's a dish that combines great flavors in an easy-to-follow method.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 egg
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons diced onion
1 pinch ground black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup pineapple juice
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon soy sauce
3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
6 tablespoons water
cup granulated sugar
4 slices fresh pineapple, cut into pieces
1 large green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
carrot, thinly sliced
onion, cut into wedges and separated

Directions

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, cornstarch, salt, diced onion, and pepper. Mix well and form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should get about 20 meatballs.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs, turning them to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. Drain any excess fat and set the meatballs aside.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over low heat. Pour in the pineapple juice and let it simmer for a few minutes to enhance the flavor.
In a small bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, soy sauce, vinegar, and water. Stir until the mixture is smooth and then pour it into the simmering pineapple juice. Stir in the sugar and continue to simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Add the browned meatballs, pineapple pieces, green bell pepper, carrot, and onion to the saucepan with the sauce. Stir gently to combine and heat the dish through until everything is hot and well-coated with the sauce.
Once ready, remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy your Sweet and Sour Meatballs with steamed rice or noodles!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	341
Total Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	77mg
Sodium	599mg
Total Carbohydrates	38g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	28g
Protein	15g
Vitamin C	54mg
Calcium	32mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	370mg

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information is based on available data for the ingredients used. Always consult your doctor or dietitian if you have dietary restrictions or specific health needs.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Suan T'ien Niu Jou Po Lo La Tzu) Recipe

Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Suan T'ien Niu Jou Po Lo La Tzu) is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, combining the savory richness of meatballs with the tangy sweetness of pineapple and vinegar. This dish is not only a family favorite but also a representation of the sweet and sour flavor profile that is a hallmark of much Asian cuisine. The meatballs are typically made from ground beef and are served in a sweet and tangy sauce with vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and pineapple chunks. It's a simple yet delicious recipe that has gained popularity worldwide.

Origin of Sweet and Sour Meatballs

The origins of Sweet and Sour Meatballs can be traced to the broader tradition of Chinese cooking, particularly the use of contrasting flavors to create balanced dishes. While sweet and sour dishes are common in Chinese cuisine, this specific dish, with its combination of meatballs and fruity sauce, has become particularly popular in Western adaptations of Chinese food. The sweet and sour sauce itself, made from pineapple juice, vinegar, and sugar, is a staple in many Asian dishes and reflects the influence of Cantonese culinary traditions. Cantonese cuisine, known for its emphasis on balancing the five basic flavorssweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umamioften features sweet and sour dishes that balance the tanginess of vinegar with the sweetness of fruits like pineapple. Over time, this recipe was adapted in Western countries, where it was embraced as a comforting, flavorful dish.

Regional Variations

While the dish has its roots in Chinese cuisine, it has many regional variations depending on the country or even the specific chef preparing it. In China, sweet and sour dishes can be more subtle, with a greater emphasis on balancing flavors with delicate seasonings like soy sauce and rice vinegar. However, in Western adaptations, the dish often becomes richer and sweeter, sometimes using more sugar or even ketchup to enhance the sauce's flavor. Some versions use different types of meat for the meatballs, such as pork or chicken, and vegetables like bell peppers or onions are often added for additional crunch and flavor. Each region brings its own unique twist to the dish, but the base of the sweet and sour sauce remains largely consistent.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While Sweet and Sour Meatballs may seem similar to other sweet and sour dishes, like Sweet and Sour Chicken or Sweet and Sour Pork, the key difference lies in the use of meatballs. In Sweet and Sour Meatballs, the meat is finely ground and shaped into small balls, which gives the dish a different texture compared to larger chunks of meat. The meatballs are also often more seasoned, with ingredients like Worcestershire sauce or breadcrumbs mixed into the meat to enhance flavor. Additionally, while Sweet and Sour Chicken often uses batter-coated chicken pieces that are fried before being tossed in the sauce, Sweet and Sour Meatballs are typically pan-fried, then simmered in the sauce to absorb its flavor.

Where Is It Typically Served?

Sweet and Sour Meatballs are commonly served as a main dish in Chinese-American restaurants, especially in the United States. It is often paired with steamed white rice or fried rice, allowing the sauce to be absorbed and enjoyed with every bite. In addition to being a popular choice for family dinners, this dish is also a favorite at parties, potlucks, and gatherings. Its balance of sweet and savory flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser, and the bite-sized meatballs are easy to serve and eat. The dish's popularity has also spread to other parts of the world, with adaptations found in various Asian and Western fusion restaurants.

Interesting Facts

The term "sweet and sour" (sun tin) is a common descriptor for Chinese dishes that combine contrasting flavors. It is especially popular in Cantonese cuisine.
The use of pineapple in Sweet and Sour Meatballs is a relatively modern addition, often seen in Western adaptations of Chinese dishes. The original Chinese sweet and sour recipes did not use pineapple, but instead, other fruits like plums or even vinegar-based sauces were used.
In some versions of the dish, ginger and garlic are added to the sauce, enhancing its depth of flavor with a bit of spice.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs are sometimes served with a side of crispy fried wontons or egg rolls, making for a complete meal that offers a variety of textures.
This dish is a great example of the fusion of Asian and Western culinary influences, which has led to the creation of many beloved "Chinese-American" dishes.

Whether enjoyed at a restaurant or made at home, Sweet and Sour Meatballs offer a deliciously satisfying meal that combines the flavors of sweet, sour, and savory in every bite.

FAQ about Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Suan T'ien Niu Jou Po Lo La Tzu) Recipe

Leftover sweet and sour meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, make sure the meatballs are heated through to a safe internal temperature.

Yes, you can substitute ground pork for ground beef. Pork will give the meatballs a milder flavor that complements the sweet and sour sauce nicely.

If the sauce is too thick, simply add a little extra pineapple juice or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Yes, this dish can be made in advance. The meatballs will soak up the sauce and get even more flavorful after a few hours or overnight. Just store them in the refrigerator and reheat them when you're ready to serve.

Absolutely! You can add or substitute vegetables like red bell peppers, broccoli, or even mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust cooking times to ensure they are cooked to your liking.

You could try using another tropical fruit like mango or papaya for a different flavor profile, though it will alter the overall taste of the dish. Pineapple adds a specific tart sweetness that is hard to replicate.

This dish pairs well with steamed white rice, but you can also serve it with brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Yes, you can use store-bought meatballs to save time. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly before adding them to the sauce. You can also adjust the cooking time based on the type of meatballs you use.

If you don't have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder, potato starch, or even all-purpose flour as a thickening agent. Just keep in mind that the consistency may vary slightly depending on the substitute.

This recipe is not very spicy. If you prefer a spicier version, you can add chili flakes or fresh chili peppers to the sauce. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.

Comments

Adam Jones

07/28/2024 11:34:43 AM

Here is the revised review: This dish was already good, but I found a way to make it even better. I made some tweaks to enhance the flavors. Firstly, I made sure the sauce was a transparent color that complemented the taste of the meat. I also felt that the meat itself needed a little boost. Here's what I did: For the meatballs, I added 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire Sauce and used 1 tablespoon of Arrowroot instead of other starches, as it is clear and doesn't alter the flavor. For the sauce, I replaced the starch mixture with Arrowroot for a clear and neutral thickening agent. I also swapped out the 1/2 cup of sugar with a combination of 1/4 cup white sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar, and added 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for a hint of tartness. The end result was a dish that was fresh, clear, and bursting with a delightful sweet and sour flavor. Even my family, comprised of 62 people who are all home cooks, loved it. And as a bonus, I'm married to a Russian, which further attests to its quality.

Daniel Sanchez

08/05/2023 07:45:24 PM

This Sweet and Sour Meatball recipe is simply amazing! After reading several reviews, I decided to double the sauce. I followed the meatball recipe as is but added 1/4 cup of bread crumbs, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, and a generous amount of fresh ground pepper. I opted to bake the meatballs in the oven at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. For the sauce, I doubled all ingredients except for the pineapple juice. Using a large can of pineapple tidbits, I obtained 1 cup of juice, so I supplemented with filtered water to make it 2 cups. Following a suggestion from another review, I used a mixture of half brown sugar and half organic evaporated cane juice sugar instead of all white sugar (since that's what I had on hand, but regular sugar would work too). The result was absolutely delicious! I will definitely be making this recipe again!

Larry Wright

02/03/2024 03:24:38 AM

Great recipe! The beef meatballs were good, but I think using pork meat would make the flavor more delicate and better complement the sweet sour sauce. I plan to try making this dish with ground pork next time. I started the sauce in my skillet and added a few chili flakes, then transferred it to my slow cooker with the meatballs to thicken on low heat for 4 hours (the longer, the better). I only added the veggies during the last hour of cooking. The meatballs became softer after soaking in the sauce overnight, making it even better the next day. I will definitely be making this recipe again, as it's easy to adjust to my taste preferences for an extra burst of flavor.

Brandon Garcia

08/02/2023 01:48:04 PM

This dish turned out quite well after a few adjustments. I was hesitant to use cornstarch in the meatballs, so I opted for dry bread crumbs instead. Rather than frying the meatballs, I baked them in the oven. I increased the amounts of soy sauce, pineapple juice, and vinegar in the sauce. I swapped the fresh pineapple for red bell pepper. Overall, it was a success, especially when served over rice.

Larry Torres

12/14/2024 08:29:41 PM

Update Review: This hamburger recipe continues to impress. This time, I switched up the ingredients a bit and it turned out even better. I swapped the dried minced onion for fresh minced onion in the meatballs, added some panko bread crumbs to the beef for extra texture, and utilized canned pineapple along with its juice. I didn't have any carrot on hand, so I skipped that ingredient. I also threw in some diced green pepper from the freezer, still frozen, into the sauce and let it cook for a few minutes. The result was fantastic! Even my husband, who isn't a pineapple fan, enjoyed the dish after picking out the meatballs from the sauce. This recipe is a keeper, and I'll definitely be making it again. Thanks a lot for sharing!

Stephanie Smith

01/28/2024 11:19:31 AM

I came across this recipe years ago and I loved it then, just as much as I do now. While it does require some effort to prepare, the outcome is definitely worth it. I've never had any complaints from those who have tried it. When making it for others, I sometimes substitute the green pepper with a red or yellow one, even though I personally enjoy green peppers. Additionally, adding button mushrooms, if available, is a great idea. In my opinion, this recipe is a definite 5-star winner.

Charles Jones

02/15/2023 10:29:15 PM

We loved this recipe when served over rice. I had some leftover meatballs from another dish, so I decided to try this sauce and vegetable combination (with a touch of broccoli added in). I sautéed the veggies before mixing them into the sauce, and the flavors turned out great. I initially tried this recipe for a change, but now it's become a regular in my meal rotation. Thank you for sharing!

Raymond Edwards

10/14/2023 09:30:27 PM

Great recipe! Here are some tips: Increase the sauce ingredients if you plan to serve it with rice. To reduce calories, try using Splenda instead of sugar. Before browning the meatballs, spray the pan with Pam instead of using oil, and skip adding oil before pouring in the pineapple juice. If the sauce is too thick, simply add more juice or water to thin it out.

Debra Clark

09/19/2023 10:58:29 PM

Great recipe! I substituted fresh pineapple with canned pineapple slices and juice. I also used a frozen mix of onions and peppers. I made these changes based on what I had available, and it turned out delicious.

Jack Campbell

07/09/2024 02:23:38 AM

I saved time on prep using Costco Teriyaki meatballs. The recipe turned out great, especially with the extra vegetables I added.

James Hernandez

10/15/2023 08:47:32 AM

I sautéed the vegetables and meat for a bit longer. The dish turned out to be delicious!

Eric Taylor

01/06/2023 12:50:40 PM

I sautéed the vegetables and meat for a bit longer. The dish turned out to be absolutely delicious!

Edward Scott

03/12/2023 09:51:24 PM

Wow! This dish is incredibly tasty. I enhanced the meat mixture with some Worcestershire sauce and a bit of ginger, which really elevated the flavors. I will definitely be making this recipe again.

Nicholas Edwards

01/20/2024 11:50:35 PM

Fantastic! I decided to make a larger batch by doubling the recipe. I opted for less sugar than called for to suit my preference for less sweetness. To add a kick, I included hot pepper flakes. Fresh pineapple was my choice, and I juiced two cups of it for the dish. For an extra crunch, I also threw in some celery.

Lisa King

03/23/2024 12:59:31 PM

The first time I made it, my husband absolutely adored it. I'm thrilled to have discovered a new method for making meatballs.

Patrick King

01/01/2024 03:20:54 PM

This recipe was absolutely amazing! My whole family loved it, and I'm really happy that I made extra portions. It's definitely going to become a regular meal in our household. Thank you for sharing this recipe.

Mary Turner

03/23/2025 07:31:33 PM

This recipe is a winner! I decided to make extra sauce so that we could enjoy it with the mashed potatoes I prepared alongside it.

Maria Jones

03/26/2024 06:20:32 PM

Everything was fantastic except for the meatballs. I plan to give the recipe another shot, this time with sautéed shrimp. It should be much easier and tastier.

Margaret Wilson

03/23/2023 09:06:57 PM

Despite my efforts to enhance the flavor by adding ginger, lemon, extra salt, and garlic powder, I was disappointed to find the meatballs and sauce lacking in taste. Next time I decide to make meatballs, I will search for a different sweet and sour recipe.

Rebecca Roberts

03/09/2024 02:22:00 PM

Sure, here is a rewritten version of the review: "This dish was fantastic! I brought it to a potluck and it disappeared so quickly - it was the first to go. I'm grateful that I read the reviews beforehand, as I decided to take someone's advice and include Worcestershire sauce in the meat mixture. That extra touch really elevated the flavor and made them stand out."

Cook Time: 120 minutes

Caramelized Tennessee Onion Tortellini Recipe

View Recipe

audio version

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Beef Enchilada Bake Recipe

View Recipe

Jamie's Sweet and Easy Corn on the Cob Recipe

audio version

Cook Time: 5 minutes