Description
Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a delicious combination of juicy meatballs coated in a tangy, flavorful sauce made with a balance of sweetness and acidity. This dish is perfect as an appetizer, served over rice for a complete meal, or even as a fun party snack. With a homemade sauce and tender meatballs, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through making these meatballs step by step, including variations, cooking tips, and serving suggestions.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (optional, for a tropical twist)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven (If Baking)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
Step 3: Form and Cook the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Baking Method: Bake in the oven for 15-18 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Skillet Method: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 10 minutes).
Step 4: Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Whisk until smooth and bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Slowly add it to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until thickened (about 2 minutes). If using bell peppers and pineapple chunks, stir them in and let them cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Coat the Meatballs
Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Let them simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the sweet and sour meatballs over white rice, brown rice, or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger provide better flavor than powdered versions.
- Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: Overmixing can make them tough—mix just until combined.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pineapple juice or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer.
- Brown Sugar vs. Honey: Swap brown sugar with honey for a natural sweetener option.