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If you’re looking to brighten up your meal rotation with something irresistibly flavorful, then the Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need. These juicy, tender meatballs are perfectly seasoned and simmered in a vibrant sauce made with pineapple, tangy vinegar, and just the right touch of sweetness from brown sugar and ketchup. Whether you’re serving them as a crowd-pleasing party appetizer or plating them over fluffy rice for a comforting dinner, this dish promises a delightful balance of savory and sweet with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe is a breeze, yet each plays a crucial role in giving the dish its fantastic taste and texture. From the juicy meatballs to the lively sauce components, these staples come together beautifully.
- Ground beef or ground pork (1 lb): Your base protein for juicy meatballs; a mix gives great flavor balance.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Keeps meatballs tender and helps bind the mixture perfectly.
- Egg (1): Acts as a natural binder to hold the meatballs together.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a garlic punch that uplifts the savory profile.
- Onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Provides subtle sweetness and textural contrast.
- Milk (2 tbsp): Moisturizes the meat mixture for tender results.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors in the meatballs.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds a mild kick to complement the sweetness.
- Ketchup (1/2 cup): The foundation of the sauce’s sweet and tangy character.
- Rice vinegar or white vinegar (1/3 cup): Brings acidity to balance the sweetness brilliantly.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup): Offers depth and warm sweetness to the sauce.
- Soy sauce (2 tbsp): Contributes savory umami and a hint of saltiness.
- Pineapple juice (1/2 cup): Provides natural sweetness and bright tropical flavor.
- Cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water): Thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- Pineapple chunks (optional, 1 cup): Juicy bursts of sweetness for texture and flavor contrast.
- Red bell pepper (optional, 1/2 cup, chopped): Adds crunch and vibrant color.
- Green bell pepper (optional, 1/2 cup, chopped): Balances the sweetness with freshness and crispness.
- Sesame seeds and green onions (for garnish): Provide a delightful finishing touch and visual appeal.
How to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, milk, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined to avoid overworking the meat, which keeps your meatballs tender.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the meatballs are beautifully browned and cooked through, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma.
Step 3: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
While the meatballs bake, whisk together ketchup, rice or white vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry gradually while stirring to thicken the sauce. This step transforms the simple ingredients into a glossy, flavorful glaze that clings perfectly to each meatball.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Fruit
If you love extra bursts of color and taste, toss in the pineapple chunks along with the red and green bell peppers. Let the sauce simmer for another couple of minutes so the flavors meld while the veggies soften just enough to maintain some crunch.
Step 5: Coat the Meatballs and Simmer
Transfer the freshly baked meatballs into the saucepan and gently stir to coat each piece with the luscious sauce. Simmer everything together for 3 to 5 minutes to marry those incredible sweet and sour flavors with the juicy meatballs.
How to Serve Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions over the meatballs to add a lovely nutty crunch and a burst of fresh color, turning your dish into an even more enticing presentation.
Side Dishes
Sweet and Sour Meatballs shine when served over a bed of steaming white rice or fluffy jasmine rice, which soaks up that tangy sauce beautifully. For a more substantial meal, try pairing them with noodles or a side of stir-fried vegetables for added texture and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve these meatballs on toothpicks arranged on a platter with a drizzle of extra sauce for guests to grab easily. You can also stuff them inside slider buns with some crunchy slaw for a fun twist that’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe, simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick meals the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delicious meatballs longer, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag. Separate the meatballs and sauce if possible to maintain the best texture. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their vibrant flavors.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen meatballs overnight in the fridge and warm them gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce from sticking and to evenly heat the meatballs, ensuring that luscious sweet and sour taste stands out just as it did the first time you enjoyed them.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or pork?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe for a lighter option. Just keep an eye on moisture, since turkey can be leaner, and you might want to add a splash more milk or a bit of olive oil for juiciness.
Is it possible to make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers. Make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free too (tamari is a great alternative) so the sauce stays safe for those avoiding gluten.
Can I prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake the meatballs and make the sauce a day before, then combine and warm them together before serving. The flavors actually deepen beautifully when given time to meld in the fridge overnight.
What other fruits or veggies can I add to the sauce?
Pineapple is classic, but you could try adding diced mango, sliced water chestnuts for crunch, or even shredded carrots for sweetness and texture. Bell peppers of different colors work well too, adding nutrition and a pop of color.
How do I prevent meatballs from drying out in the oven?
Using a mix of breadcrumbs and milk along with the egg helps keep the meatballs moist. Avoid overmixing the meat mixture, and baking at 400°F for a controlled time (18–20 minutes) ensures they cook through without drying out.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that brings both comfort and excitement to your table, this Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe is a must-try. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors will have everyone asking for seconds — so go ahead and treat yourself to this crowd favorite soon!
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Print
Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Sweet and Sour Meatballs are juicy, tender bites of seasoned ground meat simmered in a tangy and sweet sauce made with pineapple, vinegar, and ketchup. Perfect as a party appetizer or served over rice for a satisfying main dish.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or ground pork (or a mix)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and mix meatball ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, milk, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form and bake meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the meatballs are browned and fully cooked through.
- Prepare the sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add optional ingredients: If using, add pineapple chunks and chopped red and green bell peppers to the sauce. Stir to combine and cook them gently.
- Combine meatballs and sauce: Transfer the cooked meatballs into the sauce and stir to coat them thoroughly. Let them simmer together for 3 to 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving. Serve the meatballs hot, ideally over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Great served over rice or noodles.
- Make ahead and reheat—flavors deepen with time.
- Swap beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
