The Perfect Sweet And Sour Meatballs Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Sweet and sour meatballs dance with vibrant flavors that reimagine ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.

Complex taste profiles merge seamless textures in this crowd-pleasing dish that tantalizes hungry palates.

Global culinary influences shine through the harmonious combination of savory meat and bright, zingy sauce.

Balanced ingredients create a memorable dining adventure that connects people around the table.

Aromatic seasonings elevate each tender morsel beyond basic protein preparations.

Simple techniques and common pantry staples make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

The result promises a delicious journey that sparks conversation and brings smiles.

Why These Sweet and Sour Meatballs Are So Addictive

• Savor Bold Flavor Fusion: These meatballs deliver an incredible taste explosion combining sweet pineapple juice with tangy vinegar, creating a delightful balance that dances across your palate.
• Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Requiring just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe offers busy home cooks an effortless meal solution that doesn't compromise on deliciousness or complexity.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable to various dietary preferences, you can swap ground meats, adjust sauce thickness, or switch serving bases like rice or noodles to match your personal taste and nutritional needs.
• Elevate Family Dinner Experience: With its glossy sauce, perfectly browned meatballs, and restaurant-quality presentation, this dish transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable culinary experience that impresses both kids and adults.

Every Ingredient You Need for the Perfect Balance

• Ground Beef or Pork: Provides the hearty base for the meatballs with rich, meaty flavor. Lean cuts work best for a tender texture.
• Breadcrumbs, Milk, Egg: Help bind the meat together and create a soft, moist meatball texture. Fresh breadcrumbs offer better consistency.
• Pineapple Juice, Brown Sugar: Adds tropical sweetness and depth to the sauce. Fresh pineapple juice provides the best flavor.
• Vinegar, Ketchup, Soy Sauce: Balances the sweetness with sharp, umami undertones. Opt for rice vinegar for authentic flavor.
• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a silky, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the meatballs. Cold water ensures smooth mixing.
• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Adds fresh, crisp texture and visual appeal to the final dish. Thinly sliced green onions work best.
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the meatballs. Fresh ground spices provide more intense taste.

How to Roll Up Sweet and Sour Meatballs Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Meatball Mixture

• Ground meat
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Egg
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, ensuring they are compact and uniform in size.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place meatballs in the pan, cooking for 5-7 minutes until all sides are golden brown. Transfer browned meatballs to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Pineapple juice
• Brown sugar
• Vinegar
• Ketchup
• Soy sauce

Simmer the mixture over medium heat, allowing the flavors to blend and develop.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing of cornstarch with of water. Slowly stir this mixture into the simmering sauce, watching it thicken and become glossy.

Step 5: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

Gently add the browned meatballs back into the sauce. Let them simmer together for 5-10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the delicious pineapple-infused flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Plate the meatballs over rice or noodles. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy your delectable sweet and savory pineapple meatballs!

Clever Moves That Make These Meatballs Shine

• Meat Selection Magic: Choose lean ground beef or a mix of beef and pork for juicier, more flavorful meatballs that won't dry out during cooking.
• Moisture Mastery: Add milk-soaked breadcrumbs to keep meatballs tender and prevent them from becoming tough or dense.
• Browning Brilliance: Ensure meatballs are evenly browned by using a hot skillet and rotating them carefully to create a delicious caramelized exterior.
• Sauce Consistency Secrets: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the meatballs.
• Flavor Fusion Technique: Let meatballs simmer in the sauce for the full recommended time to absorb maximum taste and become incredibly succulent.

Keep the Sweet, Save the Tang: Storing Tips You Need

• Refrigeration: Store leftover sweet and sour meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing: Wrap meatballs tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to preserve their delicious flavor. Frozen meatballs can last up to 3 months when properly sealed, providing a convenient future meal option.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated meatballs gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of extra sauce to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating and retain the meatballs' juicy texture.

What to Serve That Dances With These Tangy Bites

• Pair with Asian-Inspired Rice Bowl: Serve meatballs over jasmine rice topped with fresh cucumber slices and extra green onions for a complete, balanced meal that highlights the sweet and tangy sauce.
• Match with Crisp Beverage Companion: Enjoy a cold Asian beer like Tsingtao or a light, slightly sweet white wine such as Riesling to complement the bold flavors and cut through the richness of the meatballs.
• Create Texture-Contrast Side: Add a crunchy Asian slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light rice vinegar dressing to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, saucy meatballs.
• Elevate with Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or mint leaves on top to add brightness and a subtle aromatic touch that enhances the sweet and sour flavor profile of the dish.

Twist the Tale with New Takes on Sweet & Sour

• Asian Fusion Meatballs: Replace pineapple juice with coconut milk and add ginger, lemongrass, and sriracha for a spicy Southeast Asian flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Style Meatballs: Swap ground meat with lamb, incorporate oregano and mint, and use a tomato-based sauce with feta cheese crumbles on top.
• Hawaiian Luau Version: Add diced bell peppers and chunks of fresh pineapple directly into the sauce, creating a more tropical and colorful presentation with extra fruity notes.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, replace soy sauce with tamari, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Sweet And Sour Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

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

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Description

Italian-inspired sweet and sour meatballs bring Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Juicy beef blends with tangy sauce, creating a memorable dish that will delight your palate and spark conversation around the meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or pork

Meatball Binding Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) milk
• ¼ cup (30 grams) breadcrumbs

Seasoning:

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) pineapple juice
• ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) ketchup
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) water

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Instructions

1. Blend ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
2. Carefully craft 1-inch diameter spherical meatballs, ensuring uniform size for consistent cooking.
3. Warm of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers with potential.
4. Gently place meatballs into the heated skillet, rotating them every 90 seconds to achieve a golden-brown exterior on all surfaces.
5. Cook meatballs for 5-7 minutes until they develop a rich caramelized color and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
6. Transfer browned meatballs to a clean plate, allowing excess oil to drain.
7. In a separate saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, white vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce over medium heat.
8. Whisk the sauce ingredients until brown sugar dissolves completely and the mixture begins to simmer gently.
9. Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing of cornstarch with of cold water until smooth.
10. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and promote thickening.
11. Carefully reintroduce the browned meatballs into the sauce, allowing them to simmer for 6-8 minutes to absorb flavors.
12. Serve the sweet and sour meatballs over steamed rice or egg noodles, garnishing with chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Elevate your meatball game with this crowd-pleasing sweet and sour combo that transforms ordinary ground meat into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Perfectly balanced sauce creates a magical coating that clings to every single meatball, ensuring maximum flavor in each bite.
• Quick and easy preparation means you can have a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
• Versatile recipe allows for customization with different meat types like beef, pork, or even a turkey blend to suit your preference.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop and intensify overnight in the refrigerator.
• Impressive enough for entertaining yet simple enough for everyday cooking, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying, Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 402 kcal
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 57 mg