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

Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Servings: 6
Yield: 6 servings

Description

Beef meatballs, carrot, onion and pineapple pieces simmered in a pineapple sweet and sour sauce. Serve hot over steamed white rice.

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
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 slices fresh pineapple, cut into pieces
1 large green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1/4 carrot, thinly sliced
1/3 onion, cut into wedges and separated

Directions

1 In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, cornstarch, salt, diced onion and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs; you'll get about 20 total.
2 In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs; drain fat and set aside.
3 Heat the oil in a large saucepan over low heat. Pour in the pineapple juice and simmer for a few minutes.
4 In a small bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, soy sauce, vinegar and water. Stir until smooth and pour into the pineapple juice. Add the sugar and simmer until thickened, stirring constantly.
5 Place the meatballs, pineapple pieces, green pepper, carrot and onion into the sauce mixture. Heat thoroughly.