Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Steamer basket
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Place the meatballs in a steamer basket and steam for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
4. While the meatballs are steaming, make the sweet and sour sauce. In a saucepan, combine rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, and water. Bring to a boil.
5. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and stir until the sauce thickens.
6. Add chopped bell peppers and onion to the saucepan and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
7. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the steamed meatballs and serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Steamer basket: 212°F (100°C)
- Saucepan: Medium heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 320
- Total fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sodium: 670mg
- Total carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 23g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground pork can be substituted with ground beef or ground chicken.
- Rice vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Ketchup can be substituted with tomato sauce or tomato paste.
- Pineapple juice can be substituted with orange juice or apple juice.
Variations:
- Add chopped garlic and ginger to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
- Use different types of bell peppers or add other vegetables like carrots or broccoli to the sweet and sour sauce.
- Make the meatballs larger and serve them as a main dish with rice or noodles.
Tips and tricks:
- To prevent the meatballs from sticking to the steamer basket, lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or oil.
- Make sure the sweet and sour sauce is thick enough to coat the meatballs. If it's too thin, add more cornstarch.
- If you don't have a steamer basket, you can also bake the meatballs in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the meatballs and sauce in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the sweet and sour meatballs in a large bowl or on a platter, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions or scallions
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped cilantro
Pairings:
- Steamed rice
- Noodles
- Stir-fried vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
- Egg rolls
- Crab Rangoon
- Wonton soup
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sweet and sour sauce is too sweet, add more rice vinegar or a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
- If the meatballs are dry, add more breadcrumbs or a splash of milk to the meatball mixture.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and discard any food that has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
- Sweet and sour dishes originated in China and have been popular in Chinese cuisine for centuries. The combination of sweet and sour flavors is believed to represent the balance of yin and yang in Chinese philosophy.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet and sour, savory, umami
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the sweet and sour steamed meatballs as an appetizer or as a main dish with rice or noodles.
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