Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish that combines juicy, tender meatballs with a tangy, sweet, and slightly tart sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a main course, these meatballs are coated in a vibrant sauce made with pineapple, bell peppers, and a touch of vinegar, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, Sweet and Sour Meatballs are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Serve them over rice or noodles, or simply enjoy them on their own as a flavorful snack.
Ingredients:
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple or fresh)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. You may need to do this in batches. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, and chopped bell peppers. Stir to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the peppers to soften slightly.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Combine Meatballs with Sauce:
- Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat evenly with the sweet and sour sauce.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the meatballs are heated through.
- Serve:
- Serve the Sweet and Sour Meatballs over cooked rice or noodles, or enjoy them on their own as a delicious appetizer.
Enjoy your Sweet and Sour Meatballs, a flavorful and satisfying dish that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors, making it a favorite for any occasion!
