Ingredients:
- Ground beef: 1 pound
- Tea Rubs: 1 tablespoon (a blend of black tea leaves, ground ginger, garlic powder, and a pinch of sugar)
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Egg: 1
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
- Olive oil: for frying
- For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- Ketchup: 1/2 cup
- Rice vinegar: 1/4 cup
- Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Pineapple juice: 1/4 cup
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (mixed with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tea Rubs: In a small bowl, mix the black tea leaves, ground ginger, garlic powder, and sugar. Crush the tea leaves lightly with a mortar and pestle or use a spice grinder to create a fine blend.
- Make the Beef Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, tea rubs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Form the mixture into patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cook the Patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beef patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In the same skillet, combine ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Patties and Sauce: Return the cooked beef patties to the skillet with the sweet and sour sauce. Gently coat the patties with the sauce and heat for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the sweet and sour beef patties over rice or with a side of steamed vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips:
- The tea rubs add a unique flavor and depth to the beef patties, enhancing the sweet and sour profile of the dish.
- You can customize the sauce by adding diced bell peppers or pineapple chunks for extra texture and flavor.
- This Sweet and Sour Beef Patties with Tea Rubs recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering. The combination of flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser!