Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup diced pineapple
- 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced onion
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake the beef balls for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
5. While the beef balls are baking, prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a skillet, combine the cornstarch and water. Mix well until the cornstarch is dissolved.
6. Add the white vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, diced pineapple, diced bell pepper, and diced onion to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
7. Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens and becomes glossy.
8. Once the beef balls are done, transfer them to the skillet with the sweet and sour sauce. Gently stir to coat the beef balls with the sauce.
9. Cook the beef balls in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the beef balls are fully coated.
10. Serve the sweet and sour beef balls hot with rice or noodles.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Baking temperature: 375°F
Cooking temperature: Medium heat
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Total fat: 12g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugar: 28g
Protein: 22g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground pork or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Apple cider vinegar can be used instead of white vinegar.
- Honey can be used instead of brown sugar.
- Crushed pineapple can be used instead of diced pineapple.
Variations:
- Add diced carrots or celery to the sweet and sour sauce for extra vegetables.
- Use ground turkey instead of ground beef for a lighter version of this recipe.
- Make mini beef balls and serve them as appetizers.
Tips and tricks:
- To make the beef balls easier to shape, wet your hands with water before rolling the mixture into balls.
- If the sweet and sour sauce is too thick, add a little bit of water to thin it out.
- For a spicier version of this recipe, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sweet and sour sauce.
Storage instructions:
Leftover sweet and sour beef balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the beef balls, place them in a skillet with a little bit of water or broth. Cover the skillet and heat over medium heat until the beef balls are heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the sweet and sour beef balls in a large bowl or on a platter with rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions or chopped cilantro.
Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped cilantro
- Sesame seeds
Pairings:
- Rice
- Noodles
- Steamed vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed broccoli
- Stir-fried green beans
- Egg rolls
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the beef balls are falling apart, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture.
- If the sweet and sour sauce is too thin, add more cornstarch to thicken it.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store leftover beef balls in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Sweet and sour sauce is a popular Chinese condiment that is often used in stir-fry dishes. It is made with a combination of vinegar, sugar, and fruit juice, and can be customized with different ingredients such as pineapple, bell peppers, and onions.
Flavor profiles:
This recipe has a sweet and tangy flavor profile, with a hint of umami from the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the sweet and sour beef balls as a main dish with rice or noodles, or as an appetizer for a party or gathering.
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Region: Chinese