Umami Guru › Recipes

Tangcu Wanzi (糖醋丸子)

China

By · Published · Updated

Tancu Wanzhi Chinese dish, anime illustration in Ghibli style

Sweet and sour meatballs are a popular Chinese dish with a juicy texture and bright flavor. They cook quickly and are perfect for a family dinner.

Ingredients

Steps

  1. Chinese cuisine, Tan Su Wanzi, mixing ingredients, Studio Ghibli‑style anime illustration

    In a bowl, combine ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, white pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until homogeneous.

  2. Anime illustration of Chinese cuisine, cooking process, Studio Ghibli style

    Divide the mixture into 20–22 portion-sized balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and shape into meatballs.

  3. Chinese cuisine, Tansu Wanzzi, preparation step, anime illustration

    Preheat the oven to 180 °C (or 160 °C with convection).

  4. Anime illustration of Chinese cuisine, cooking process, Studio Ghibli style

    Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 12 minutes, until golden.

  5. Chinese cuisine, cooking step, anime illustration, Umami Guru

    In a bowl, combine tomato ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, white pepper, and water. Mix until a smooth homogeneous mixture.

  6. Chinese kitchen, meatballs in sauce, anime‑style illustration of cooking

    Transfer the sauce to a pan, cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Then add the baked meatballs and heat them in the sauce for a few minutes.

  7. Umami Guru Chinese cuisine, Tangsu Wanzi, anime‑style illustration of the cooking process

    Remove from heat, toss the meatballs with the sauce, and optionally garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

FAQ

What is Tangcu Wanzi (糖醋丸子)?

Tangcu Wanzi (糖醋丸子) are traditional Chinese sweet and sour meatballs, known for their juicy texture and vibrant flavor, often served as a main dish.

Can I substitute pork in Tangcu Wanzi?

While pork is traditional, you can use ground chicken or beef for Tangcu Wanzi. The Umami Guru app can help you find suitable ingredient substitutions.

How long does it take to make Tangcu Wanzi?

This Tangcu Wanzi recipe takes approximately 39 minutes from start to finish, making it a great option for a quick and flavorful meal.

What should I serve with Tangcu Wanzi?

Tangcu Wanzi pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad to balance the rich flavors.

How can Umami Guru help with hard-to-find ingredients?

The Umami Guru app offers an AI assistant that can suggest substitutions for ingredients that might be unavailable in your region, ensuring you can still enjoy authentic recipes.