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

Description

I grew up in Japan, and my Mother got this recipe from some Catholic nuns there during the 50’s. It’s been a family favorite ever since. If you’re a vegetarian, try this sauce with vegetables only. It’s wonderful that way also!

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
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 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

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl
  2. combine the ground beef
  3. egg
  4. cornstarch
  5. salt
  6. diced onion and pepper. Form into 1 inch meatballs; about 20.
  7. In a large skillet over medium heat
  8. brown the meatballs; drain fat and set aside.
  9. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over low heat. Pour in the pineapple juice and simmer for a few minutes.
  10. In a small bowl
  11. combine the 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
  12. soy sauce
  13. vinegar and water. Stir until smooth and pour into the pineapple juice. Add the sugar and simmer until thickened
  14. stirring constantly.
  15. Place the meatballs
  16. pineapple pieces
  17. green pepper
  18. carrot and onion into the sauce mixture. Heat thoroughly.

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 1 hr

Servings: 6

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