Recipes, Dinners and Easy Meal Ideas – Suan T’ien Niu Jou Po Lo La Tzu

Suan T’ien Niu Jou Po Lo La Tzu Recipe: Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Suan T’ien Niu Jou Po Lo La Tzu, translating to “Sweet and Sour Beef Balls,” is a delightful Onicplay Chinese dish that combines the savory taste of beef meatballs with the tangy sweetness of pineapple-infused sauce. This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and is a favorite in many households.

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📝 Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef

• 1 egg

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 4 tablespoons diced onion

• A pinch of ground black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 cup pineapple juice

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar

• 6 tablespoons water

• ½ cup granulated sugar

Additional Ingredients:

• 4 slices fresh pineapple, cut into pieces

• 1 large green bell pepper, cut into thin strips

• ¼ carrot, thinly sliced

• ⅓ onion, cut into wedges and separated

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, cornstarch, salt, diced onion, and black pepper.

   • Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs; you should get about 20 meatballs.

   • In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs evenly. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the meatballs aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over low heat.

   • Add 1 cup of pineapple juice and simmer for a few minutes.

   • In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar, and 6 tablespoons water until smooth.

   • Pour this mixture into the saucepan with the pineapple juice.

   • Add ½ cup granulated sugar and stir continuously until the sauce thickens.

3. Combine and Cook:

   • Add the browned meatballs, pineapple pieces, green bell pepper strips, sliced carrot, and onion wedges into the thickened sauce.

   • Heat the mixture thoroughly, ensuring the meatballs and vegetables are well-coated with the sauce.

4. Serve:

   • Serve the sweet and sour meatballs hot over steamed white rice for a complete meal.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice. For added texture and flavor, consider garnishing with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.

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📌 Tips

• Meat Alternatives: Ground chicken or pork can be used in place of beef for a different flavor profile.

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute meatballs with tofu cubes or plant-based meat alternatives.

• Spice Level: To add a kick, include a dash of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

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Enjoy this classic Chinese dish that brings together the perfect harmony of sweet and sour flavors in every bite!