Quick & Tangy Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe Everyone Loves

Sweet and sour meatballs dance between bold flavors that captivate taste buds with unexpected culinary magic.

Traditional comfort food reimagines into something extraordinary through careful seasoning and precise cooking techniques.

These delectable spheres represent more than just another protein option on your plate.

Culinary enthusiasm meets cultural fusion when combining classic meat preparation with vibrant sauce components.

Global ingredient influences elevate this classic dish beyond simple home cooking expectations.

Layers of complexity emerge from carefully balanced sweet and acidic notes that intrigue passionate food lovers.

The harmonious blend promises a memorable dining experience that sparks conversation and delights everyone around the table.

Why Sweet and Sour Meatballs Steal the Show

• Unleash Quick Flavor Explosion: These sweet and sour meatballs deliver a mouth-watering punch in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving restaurant-quality meals without complicated techniques.
• Master Versatile Cooking Methods: Enjoy flexibility with air fryer or oven options, allowing you to choose your preferred cooking style without compromising on taste or texture.
• Create Balanced Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with 22g protein, moderate carbohydrates, and a perfect blend of vegetables and meat, this dish offers a well-rounded meal that satisfies hunger and nutrition needs while delivering exciting flavor combinations.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs Ingredient Essentials

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Lean meats with rich flavor, choose 85/15 or 90/10 ratio for balanced texture and moisture.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind meatballs and maintain tender consistency, preferably plain or homemade.
• Egg: Natural binder that keeps meatballs compact and moist.

• Garlic, Onion Powder: Aromatic seasonings that add depth and complexity to meat mixture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste profile.
• Soy Sauce: Brings umami and moisture to meatball mixture.

• Ketchup, Rice Vinegar, Brown Sugar: Classic sweet and sour sauce ingredients creating balanced flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Additional seasoning for sauce depth.
• Vegetable Oil: Cooking medium for sautéing vegetables.
• Bell Peppers, Onions: Fresh vegetables adding color and texture to dish.
• Pineapple Chunks: Adds tropical sweetness and tangy brightness.
• Garlic: Fresh aromatic for additional flavor complexity.

Easy Steps to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare Meatball Mix

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 2: Shape Perfect Meatballs

Roll the meat mixture into uniform round balls, about the size of golf balls. Ensure each meatball is compact and smooth.

Step 3: Cook Meatballs

Choose your cooking method:

• Set air fryer to 380°F
• Cook for 10 minutes
• Shake basket halfway through cooking

• Preheat oven to 400°F
• Line baking sheet with parchment paper
• Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown

Step 4: Create Vibrant Sauce

• Ketchup
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Pineapple juice
• Rice vinegar
• Cornstarch

Let sauce ingredients meld while preparing vegetables

Step 5: Sauté Vegetable Base

Heat vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat

• Diced onions
• Sliced bell peppers

Sauté for 1 minute

Step 6: Build Flavor Layers

Introduce minced garlic to the vegetable mix

Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant

Step 7: Combine Sauce and Vegetables

Pour prepared sauce into wok

Stir continuously until sauce thickens and becomes glossy

Step 8: Final Meatball Integration

Gently add cooked meatballs and pineapple chunks

Toss to coat evenly

Cook for 2 additional minutes

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate over steamed rice

Garnish with chopped green onions

Serve immediately while hot and delicious

Pro Tips for Better Sweet and Sour Meatballs

• Meat Blend Mastery: Choose a mix of ground beef and pork for juicier, more flavorful meatballs that stay tender during cooking.
• Perfect Meatball Shaping: Wet your hands with cold water to prevent sticking and create smooth, uniform meatballs that cook evenly.
• Sauce Depth Trick: Let the sauce sit for 5-10 minutes before adding meatballs to allow the flavors to develop and intensify.
• Prevent Soggy Texture: Pat vegetables dry before sautéing to ensure a crisp texture and prevent excess moisture in the dish.
• Garnish for Freshness: Sprinkle chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top to add a burst of color and extra layer of flavor just before serving.

How to Store and Reheat Sweet and Sour Meatballs Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigerate leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal completely to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity. Microwave reheating works best: place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. For optimal texture, avoid overheating which can dry out the meat. Alternatively, gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of sauce to keep meatballs moist and delicious. Always ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety before consuming.

Best Pairings for Sweet and Sour Meatballs

• Pair with Zesty Beverage Companion: Crisp white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer complements the sweet and sour flavor profile, cutting through the richness of the meatballs.
• Enhance with Fresh Side Kick: Cucumber and mint salad provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, tangy meatballs, balancing the dish's intense flavors.
• Create Textural Harmony: Steamed jasmine rice absorbs the glossy sauce perfectly, while adding a neutral base that lets the meatballs' bold taste shine through.
• Boost with Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top to add a nutty, fresh crunch that elevates the overall eating experience.

Creative Twists on Classic Sweet and Sour Meatballs

• Spicy Tangy Fusion: Kick up the heat by adding sriracha or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture, creating a zesty version with an extra punch of flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate dried oregano, mint, and ground lamb into the meatballs, then swap the sweet and sour sauce with a yogurt-based tzatziki for a Greek-inspired transformation.
• Asian-Inspired Glazed Version: Replace the sweet and sour sauce with a teriyaki or hoisin glaze, adding sesame seeds and green onions for an authentic Asian-style presentation that brings new depth to the classic recipe.
• Vegetarian Friendly Alternative: Substitute meat with plant-based protein like Beyond Meat or lentil balls, keeping the same cooking method and sauce for a meat-free option that doesn't compromise on taste.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Juicy meatballs from Southern Italy dance with tangy sauce in this irresistible classic recipe. Rich flavors and hearty ingredients create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Base Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large onions (1 shredded/finely chopped, 1 diced)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ¼ cup pineapple juice from canned pineapple
• ½ teaspoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Vegetable and Fruit Ingredients:

• 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ½ cup pineapple chunks
• Vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Create uniform, golf ball-sized meatballs by thoroughly mixing all meatball ingredients in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of components.
2. Choose your cooking method: air fry at 380 degrees Fahrenheit (193 degrees Celsius) for approximately 10 minutes, rotating the basket midway to guarantee uniform browning, or alternatively bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
3. Develop the sauce by whisking all sauce ingredients in a medium-sized bowl, allowing flavors to harmonize and intensify while preparing other components.
4. Warm vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat, introducing diced onions and vibrant bell peppers, quickly sautéing for approximately 60 seconds to maintain crisp texture.
5. Introduce minced garlic to the vegetable mixture, stirring constantly for 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors without burning.
6. Gradually pour prepared sauce into the wok, continuously stirring to create a glossy, slightly thickened consistency that coats the vegetables smoothly.
7. Gently fold cooked meatballs and sweet pineapple chunks into the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated and heated through for an additional two minutes.
8. Transfer the piping hot mixture directly over steamed rice, serving immediately to preserve optimal temperature and flavor profile.

Notes

• Prepare meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate for firmer texture before cooking.
• Opt for lean ground meat to reduce excess grease in the final dish.
• Shake air fryer basket midway through cooking ensures even browning and prevents sticking.
• Sauce thickens quickly, so watch carefully and stir constantly to avoid burning.
• Pineapple chunks add unexpected sweetness and balance to the savory meatball flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg