Sweet and Sour Meatballs

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Sweet and Sour Meatballs

A Classic Family Favorite with a Perfect Balance of Sweetness and Tang

Sweet and Sour Meatballs are one of those comforting, timeless dishes that bring together tender, juicy meatballs and a glossy, flavorful sauce that is both vibrant and deeply satisfying. This recipe combines sweet, tangy, and savory elements in a way that appeals to all ages, making it an ideal choice for quick dinners, family gatherings, or even party appetizers.

The homemade meatballs are lightly seasoned, browned until golden, and then simmered in a rich sauce made from ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce. With colorful bell peppers, onions, and optional pineapple, the dish becomes wholesome and beautifully textured. Serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside roasted vegetables and enjoy a meal that is comforting, flavorful, and incredibly versatile.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • 500 g ground beef (or ground chicken or turkey)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon milk (optional for extra tenderness)
  • 2 tablespoons oil for frying

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice or water
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/2 cup diced pineapple (optional but adds wonderful sweetness)
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 small onion, cut into chunks

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, soy sauce, onion powder, and milk if using. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense, so keep the mixture light and airy.

2. Shape the Meatballs

Form the mixture into even-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 20–24 meatballs, depending on size.

3. Brown the Meatballs

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook for 8–10 minutes, turning often until all sides are browned and the centers are cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

4. Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice. Stir until everything is well dissolved.

5. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet used to cook the meatballs, add a small splash of oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and both bell peppers. Cook for 2–3 minutes until they are slightly softened but still crisp.

6. Combine the Sauce and Vegetables

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously. The sauce will thicken into a glossy, rich consistency.

7. Add the Meatballs

Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet. Gently coat them in the sauce. Simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Stir in the diced pineapple if using.

8. Taste and Adjust

If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a touch more sugar. For extra tang, add a splash more vinegar. Allow everything to simmer briefly so the flavors meld beautifully.

Expert Tips for Success

  • Mix Lightly: Only mix the meat until the ingredients are combined to keep the meatballs tender.
  • Fresh Breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs create a softer texture than dry ones.
  • Proper Browning: Browning adds flavor depth—don’t skip this step.
  • Sauce Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, add a small amount of water or pineapple juice. If too thin, simmer longer or add a tiny bit of extra cornstarch slurry.
  • Flavor Absorption: Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to fully absorb its flavors.

Variations and Custom Options

  • Protein Choices: Substitute with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
  • Extra Vegetables: Add snap peas, carrots, or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
  • Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a little hot sauce to make it spicy.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace sugar with a sugar-free sweetener and serve with cauliflower rice.
  • Dairy-Free: Simply omit the milk.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these flavorful meatballs with:

  • Steamed white rice
  • Vegetable fried rice
  • Egg noodles or lo mein
  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Steamed vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or green beans

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze the cooked meatballs without the sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water, or in the microwave in short intervals.
  • Make-Ahead: The meatballs and sauce can be prepared ahead and stored separately until ready to cook.

 

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