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Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Tang Cu Wan Zi)

🍴 Chinese Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Tang Cu Wan Zi)


Sweet and sour meatballs, known in Chinese as , are a beloved home-style dish that combines juicy, tender pork meatballs with a glossy sweet-tangy sauce. The dish is flavorful, colorful, and perfect with steamed rice.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • 500 g (about 1 lb) ground pork (can substitute chicken or beef)

  • 1 egg

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch)

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

  • 1 tsp grated ginger

  • 1 tsp minced garlic

  • Salt and white pepper, to taste

  • Cooking oil, for frying

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp tomato ketchup

  • 2 tbsp sugar

  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)

  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce

  • ½ cup water

  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)

Optional Garnish:

  • Chopped scallions

  • Toasted sesame seeds

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, egg, cornstarch, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, ginger, garlic, salt, and white pepper.

  2. Mix until the ingredients are sticky and well blended.

  3. With damp hands, roll the mixture into small round balls, about the size of a ping-pong ball.

2. Fry the Meatballs

  1. Heat enough oil in a deep pan or wok for shallow-frying.

  2. Fry the meatballs in batches over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes.

  3. Remove and drain on paper towels.

3. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

  1. In a clean wok or skillet, mix together ketchup, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and water.

  2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.

  3. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

4. Combine and Serve

  1. Add the fried meatballs into the sauce.

  2. Gently stir until each meatball is evenly coated with the sweet and sour glaze.

  3. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds.

🍚 Serving Suggestion

Sweet and sour meatballs are best enjoyed hot, paired with steamed white rice or fried rice. They also make a great centerpiece for family gatherings and festive meals.


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