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 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.
📝 Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
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1 pound (450g) ground beef
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1 egg
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1 teaspoon salt
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4 tablespoons diced onion
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A pinch of ground black pepper
For the Sauce:
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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1 cup pineapple juice
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3 tablespoons cornstarch
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
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6 tablespoons water
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½ cup granulated sugar
Additional Ingredients:
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4 slices fresh pineapple, cut into pieces
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1 large green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
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¼ carrot, thinly sliced
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⅓ onion, cut into wedges and separated
👩🍳 Instructions
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Prepare the Meatballs:
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In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, cornstarch, salt, diced onion, and black pepper.
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Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs; you should get about 20 meatballs.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs evenly. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the meatballs aside.
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Prepare the Sauce:
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In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over low heat.
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Add 1 cup of pineapple juice and simmer for a few minutes.
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In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar, and 6 tablespoons water until smooth.
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Pour this mixture into the saucepan with the pineapple juice.
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Add ½ cup granulated sugar and stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
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Combine and Cook:
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Add the browned meatballs, pineapple pieces, green bell pepper strips, sliced carrot, and onion wedges into the thickened sauce.
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Heat the mixture thoroughly, ensuring the meatballs and vegetables are well-coated with the sauce.
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Serve:
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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.
📌 Tips
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Meat Alternatives: Ground chicken or pork can be used in place of beef for a different flavor profile.
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Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute meatballs with tofu cubes or plant-based meat alternatives.
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Spice Level: To add a kick, include a dash of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Enjoy this classic Chinese dish that brings together the perfect harmony of sweet and sour flavors in every bite!