Sweet And Sour Meatballs Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with dinner all over again! These Sweet And Sour Meatballs are the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and just the right hint of sweetness—making them an instant family favorite. Whether you’re looking to wow a crowd or simply brighten up a weeknight, this recipe is guaranteed to delight every taste bud at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Sweet And Sour Meatballs is how delightfully simple and accessible the ingredients are. Every element serves a purpose—creating juicy, flavorful meatballs and a sauce that’s perfectly sweet, tangy, and rich in color.

• Ground Beef: The heart of the meatballs—choose 80/20 for the juiciest texture and flavor, but any ground beef will work.
• Breadcrumbs: They keep the meatballs soft and tender by holding onto all those delicious juices.
• Onion (shredded or finely chopped): Adds moisture and a subtle, savory sweetness to the meatballs without overpowering them.
• Eggs: Essential for binding the mixture, so your meatballs hold together beautifully.
• Garlic Powder, Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that round out the flavor profile—don’t skip them!
• Rice Vinegar: Brightens up the sauce with its gentle tang.
• Brown Sugar: The sweet counterpart to the vinegar, giving that irresistible sweet-and-sour kick.
• Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and helps create a silky, pourable sauce.
• Ketchup & Tomato Paste: These pantry staples lend color, body, and a whisper of acidity to the sauce.
• Pineapple Juice: Classic for sweet and sour sauce—it infuses tropical flavor and natural sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce until it’s glossy and just coats every meatball.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps everything from sticking and gives a touch of richness.
• Onion, Red & Green Bell Peppers: These veggies add crunch, color, and extra bursts of flavor.
• Pineapple Chunks: Juicy pops of sweetness that make each bite more interesting—use canned or fresh.
• Fresh Garlic: Adds warmth and subtle depth when sautéed with the veggies.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to mix things up and make these Sweet And Sour Meatballs truly your own! This recipe is a wonderful canvas for customizing to fit your favorite flavors, dietary needs, or simply what you already have in the kitchen.

• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: Lighten things up by swapping out the beef for ground turkey or chicken—you’ll still get totally juicy, flavorful meatballs.
• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in zucchini, carrots, or snap peas for bonus color and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check your condiments—the result is just as tasty and approachable!
• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sweet and sour sauce for some heat.
• Pineapple Swap: Try using mango chunks or even orange segments for a fun and fruity twist.

How to Make Sweet And Sour Meatballs

Step 1: Mix & Shape the Meatballs

First, combine your ground beef, breadcrumbs, shredded onion, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Get in there with clean hands (the best tools for the job!) and mix just until everything is evenly distributed. Roll the mixture into small golf-ball-sized meatballs—don’t overwork them, or they can get tough.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

If you have an air fryer, arrange the meatballs in the basket and air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes, shaking halfway for even cooking. No air fryer? No worries—just bake them on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

Step 3: Whisk the Sauce

While the meatballs are cooking, grab a bowl and whisk together rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, ketchup, tomato paste, pineapple juice, cornstarch, and salt. This is where the magic of Sweet And Sour Meatballs really comes together, so go ahead and taste—it should be zingy, rich, and a little sweet!

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

Heat up your favorite wok or large skillet over medium-high with a bit of vegetable oil. Add the diced onion and colorful bell peppers, letting them sizzle for about a minute. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until you catch that mouthwatering aroma.

Step 5: Simmer & Toss

Pour the sweet and sour sauce into your wok, stirring constantly as it heats. Watch as it transforms into a glossy, thickened sauce—this only takes a couple of minutes. Now add the cooked meatballs and pineapple chunks, tossing everything together so every bite is coated and irresistible. Let it cook for another two minutes, then serve it up hot!

How to Serve Sweet And Sour Meatballs

Garnishes

For that final, restaurant-style touch, sprinkle your Sweet And Sour Meatballs with sliced green onions, a shower of sesame seeds, or even fresh cilantro. These little pops of color and flavor make your dish look as inviting as it tastes!

Side Dishes

There’s nothing better than serving these meatballs over a fluffy bed of jasmine or basmati rice—perfect for soaking up all that sauce! Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or even buttered noodles also make lovely sides when you want a change of pace.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Sweet And Sour Meatballs into a fun appetizer by skewering them with colorful veggies for party platters, tuck them into lettuce wraps for a light lunch, or serve in a vibrant bowl with quinoa for a healthful twist. The possibilities are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftovers cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge—they’ll stay delicious and fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen with time, so tomorrow’s lunch might taste even better!

Freezing

Sweet And Sour Meatballs freeze beautifully! Pop them (sauce and all) in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

You can gently reheat meatballs and sauce on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often, or microwave in short bursts until hot. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened up in the fridge—the flavors will be just as vibrant as day one!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a vibrant meal that’s easy to pull together and sure to make everyone smile, Sweet And Sour Meatballs are it. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it joining your regular dinner rotation. Happy cooking!

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