Chinese Sweet-And-Sour Meat Balls

Servings: 6 Difficulty: Intermediate
A savory and tangy classic featuring tender beef meatballs in a glossy, fruity sauce.
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These Chinese Sweet-And-Sour Meat Balls offer a delightful balance of savory beef and bright, tangy flavors. Ground beef is seasoned simply, formed into bite-sized balls, and coated in a light egg and flour batter before being fried to a golden brown. The real magic happens in the sauce, where beef broth, cider vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce create a rich, glossy glaze. Bright pineapple chunks and crisp diced green peppers add texture and a sweet-acidic kick that cuts through the richness of the meat. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual potlucks, offering a comforting yet exciting taste experience that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice.

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Chinese Sweet-And-Sour Meat Balls

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6 Calories: 976.5

Description

These Chinese Sweet-And-Sour Meat Balls offer a delightful balance of savory beef and bright, tangy flavors. Ground beef is seasoned simply, formed into bite-sized balls, and coated in a light egg and flour batter before being fried to a golden brown. The real magic happens in the sauce, where beef broth, cider vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce create a rich, glossy glaze. Bright pineapple chunks and crisp diced green peppers add texture and a sweet-acidic kick that cuts through the richness of the meat. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual potlucks, offering a comforting yet exciting taste experience that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, 1 teaspoon of salt, and the pepper; mix until just combined.
  2. Divide the mixture and shape it into 24 small, uniform meatballs.
  3. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, flour, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt to create a thin batter.
  4. Dip each meatball into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated, and let excess batter drip off.
  5. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-low heat; carefully add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, about 10-12 minutes total.
  6. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
  7. In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add the cornstarch, soy sauce, cider vinegar, and sugar; stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble.
  8. Slowly whisk in the beef broth until smooth, then add the diced green peppers and pineapple chunks.
  9. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  10. Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and gently toss to coat them evenly in the thickened sauce.
  11. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes over low heat to allow flavors to meld, then serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 976.5kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 66.7g103%
Saturated Fat 16.4g82%
Cholesterol 189.7mg64%
Sodium 6783.1mg283%
Total Carbohydrate 45.2g16%
Dietary Fiber 2.2g9%
Sugars 27.5g
Protein 46.7g94%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: chinese, sweet and sour, meatballs, ground beef, pineapple, green peppers, fried, saucy, dinner, asian cuisine, beef recipe, comfort food, family meal, easy dinner, sticky sauce, cider vinegar, cornstarch slurry, soy sauce, pan fried, quick meals
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