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

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

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare Meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground beef, egg, cornstarch, salt, diced onion, and black pepper. Shape into meatballs.

2. 2

   Cook Meatballs: Heat oil in a pan, brown meatballs on all sides, then set aside.

3. 3

   Make Sauce: In the same pan, combine pineapple juice, cornstarch, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and sugar. Cook until thickened.

4. 4

   Combine: Add pineapple, bell pepper, carrot, and onion to the sauce. Simmer until vegetables are tender.

5. 5

   Serve: Add meatballs to the sauce, coat well, and serve hot.