Easy Sweet and Sour Meatballs – A Perfect Balance of Tangy and Savory Flavors

Easy Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These sweet and sour meatballs are the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. They are easy to make, require simple ingredients, and can be served with rice, noodles, or as an appetizer. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a party dish, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp soy sauce

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice or water
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, paprika, and soy sauce. Mix well until evenly combined.
2. Shape and Cook: Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs. Heat a pan over medium heat with a little oil and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and fully cooked (about 10 minutes). Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and soy sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and stir until the sauce thickens.
5. Combine Everything: Return the meatballs to the pan, add bell peppers and pineapple chunks, and stir to coat everything in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes.
6. Serve: Enjoy warm over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for extra flavor.

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Serving Size and Time

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes! If using frozen meatballs, simply heat them according to package instructions, then toss them in the sauce.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Store the cooked meatballs and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan before serving.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the meatballs with plant-based meat or tofu and follow the same sauce recipe.

4. What sides go well with sweet and sour meatballs?
Serve with steamed rice, fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles for a complete meal.

Enjoy your easy sweet and sour meatballs!