Easy Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe That Kids Adore

Succulent meatballs dancing with a tangy sweet and sour sauce bring comfort to every bite.

These delectable orbs pack a flavor punch that surprises and delights.

Tender beef blends seamlessly with aromatic spices, creating a mouthwatering blend of textures.

Each meatball carries a perfect balance of savory and zesty notes that sing on your palate.

The simple yet robust sauce coats every morsel with a glossy, irresistible finish.

Weeknight dinners transform into culinary celebrations with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

What Makes Sweet & Sour Meatballs Delicious

• Quick Kitchen Hero: Whip up delicious meatballs in just a few simple steps, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes that will excite taste buds and satisfy comfort food cravings.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Serve over rice or noodles for an easy dinner that works for family meals, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Kid-friendly and adaptable dish that appeals to both picky eaters and adventurous food lovers, making mealtime a breeze.

Sweet & Sour Meatball Ingredients

• Ground Meat: A juicy protein that forms the heart of the meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk, Egg: Magical ingredients that help hold the meatballs together.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Flavor-packed seasonings that add delicious depth.

• Pineapple Juice: Sweet liquid that provides the tangy base.
• Brown Sugar: Adds rich sweetness to the sauce.
• Vinegar: Brings a sharp, bright tangy note.
• Ketchup: Provides a classic sweet and tomato-rich flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Offers a savory umami undertone.
• Cornstarch: A thickening agent that gives the sauce its perfect consistency.

Cooking Oil: A small amount for browning the meatballs.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Pretty toppings that add extra flavor and visual appeal.

Rice or Noodles: A perfect base for serving the meatballs.

Cooking Sweet & Sour Meatballs

Step 1: Create Meaty Mixture

Grab a spacious mixing bowl.

Toss in ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Blend everything thoroughly using your hands or a fork until the ingredients are perfectly combined.

Step 2: Shape Delightful Spheres

Roll the meat mixture into small, uniform balls about the size of a golf ball.

Ensure they’re compact and smooth to help them cook evenly.

Step 3: Sizzle and Brown Meatballs

Heat a large skillet with a touch of oil over medium-high heat.

Carefully place meatballs in the pan, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Cook each batch, rotating occasionally to achieve a golden-brown exterior.

Ensure meatballs are fully cooked through, which takes approximately 5-7 minutes per batch.

Step 4: Craft Tangy Sauce

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

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Thicken Sauce Perfectly

Create a cornstarch slurry and slowly pour it into the simmering sauce.

Whisk continuously until the sauce transforms into a glossy, thick consistency.

Step 6: Marry Meatballs with Sauce

Gently place the cooked meatballs into the tangy sauce.

Ensure each meatball is generously coated.

Let them simmer together for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Serve the moist, flavorful meatballs over fluffy rice or tender noodles.

Sprinkle chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Tips For Sweet & Sour Meatballs

• Mix ground beef with ground pork or turkey for enhanced flavor and texture variations.
• Handle meat mixture gently and avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender and soft.
• Adjust cornstarch slurry gradually to achieve perfect sauce thickness without becoming too gloopy or thin.
• Cook meatballs ahead and store separately from sauce, refrigerating for up to 3 days for convenient reheating.
• Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for dietary needs.

How To Save Sweet & Sour Meatballs

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack meatballs and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Warm meatballs in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain sauce moisture.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep meatballs juicy and prevent rubbery texture.

Serve Sweet & Sour Meatballs With These

• Pair with Crisp Riesling: Select a slightly sweet German Riesling that complements the sweet and tangy sauce, balancing the richness of the meatballs with its bright acidity and fruity notes.
• Serve with Jasmine Rice Pilaf: Create a fragrant jasmine rice pilaf with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions to absorb the delicious sweet and sour sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Match with Asian Slaw: Prepare a crunchy coleslaw with julienned carrots, red cabbage, and a light rice vinegar dressing to provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, saucy meatballs.
• Enhance with Pickled Vegetables: Add a side of quick-pickled cucumber and radish to introduce a zesty, acidic element that cuts through the meatballs' richness and adds textural complexity.

Sweet & Sour Meatball Twists

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use tamari instead of soy sauce to maintain a gluten-free recipe.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like beyond meat crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms mixed with lentils. Create meatballs using firm tofu or chickpea flour as a protein base.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. Replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener. Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the sweet and sour sauce. Include diced jalapeños in the meatball mixture for extra heat and flavor complexity.

FAQs

• What meat works best for these meatballs?

Ground beef, pork, or a mixture of both provide the most flavor and juicy texture. Lean ground meat keeps the meatballs tender and prevents them from being too greasy.

• How can I make the meatballs more tender?

Adding milk and egg helps bind the ingredients and creates a softer, more moist meatball. Don’t overmix the meat mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough and dense.

• Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?

Yes, bake the meatballs at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes on a lined baking sheet. This method reduces oil and provides a more hands-off cooking approach while still achieving a nice golden exterior.

• Is there a way to prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Chilling the meatball mixture for 30 minutes before forming and cooking helps them hold together better. Use a light touch when mixing and forming the meatballs to avoid compacting the meat too tightly.

Sweet And Sour Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

Mouthwatering sweet and sour meatballs dance with tangy flavors, creating a delightful culinary experience. Quick and easy preparation brings global tastes to your dinner table, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground beef

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk (60 ml)
• 1 egg

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

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Instructions

1. Craft a flavorful mixture by blending ground meat with breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring thorough and uniform incorporation.
2. Delicately shape the seasoned meat blend into compact, bite-sized spheres approximately one inch in diameter, maintaining consistent sizing for even cooking.
3. Warm a skillet with a light coating of oil over medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing environment for the meatballs.
4. Strategically place meatballs into the heated pan, avoiding overcrowding, and rotate periodically to achieve a rich, golden-brown exterior on all surfaces.
5. Transfer perfectly seared meatballs to a separate plate, allowing excess oil to drain while preparing the signature sauce.
6. Combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce in a saucepan, establishing a harmonious base for the sweet and tangy coating.
7. Gradually introduce a cornstarch slurry into the simmering liquid, continuously whisking to develop a glossy, thickened sauce with a luxurious consistency.
8. Gently nestle the cooked meatballs into the vibrant sauce, ensuring each morsel is lavishly enrobed with the aromatic glaze.
9. Allow the meatballs to simmer within the sauce for several minutes, permitting the flavors to meld and intensify.
10. Present the glistening meatballs atop a bed of steamed rice or noodles, garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a dusting of sesame seeds for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Ensure meat mixture isn’t overmixed to keep meatballs tender and prevent tough texture during cooking.
• Create uniform-sized meatballs using a small ice cream scoop or measuring spoon for consistent cooking and appearance.
• Allow meatballs to rest briefly after browning to retain moisture and prevent falling apart when adding to sauce.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for lighter protein option without compromising flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 368 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg