sweet and sour meatballs sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best sweet and sour meatballs sauce recipe

I’ve been making this sweet and sour meatballs sauce recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a classic dish that originated from Chinese cuisine, but has been adapted and modified to suit American tastes.

The combination of sweet and sour flavors is a perfect balance, and the addition of meatballs takes it to a whole new level. I love how easy it is to make, and how versatile it is – we can serve it as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a main course.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, especially when it comes to mixing the sauce ingredients. They’re always excited to taste the final product, and I’m happy to oblige them.

This recipe is also a great way to get in some extra vegetables – just add some chopped bell peppers or carrots to the sauce for added nutrition. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover meatballs or other small pieces of meat.

I’ve served this at family gatherings, potlucks, and even as a quick weeknight dinner. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and I’m happy to share it with you today.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

4.9 from 796 votes

Juicy meatballs coated in a tangy, sweet and sour sauce. This classic dish is perfect for a family dinner, served with rice or noodles.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

500g ground beef
1 small onion
2 cloves garlic
1 egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 400°F.
2In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, and season with salt and black pepper.
3Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4Form the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
5Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching.
6Bake for 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are browned and cooked through, with internal temperature reaching 160°F.
7While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sweet and sour sauce.
8In a saucepan, combine tomato sauce, sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce.
9Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
10In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
11Slowly pour the slurry into the saucepan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
12Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
13Once the meatballs are done, carefully remove them from the oven and transfer to a serving dish.
14Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.
15Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot with rice or noodles.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 20g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: For a healthier option, you can use ground turkey instead of beef. Add vegetables like bell peppers or pineapple to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

Watch Video Of How Sweet and Sour Meatballs Works

This sweet and sour meatballs sauce recipe is a staple in our household – we love making it for special occasions like holidays and birthdays, but also for quick weeknight dinners.

The best part is that you can customize it to your taste by adding different types of meatballs or adjusting the sweetness and sourness levels.

Plus, it’s easy to store leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours – just reheat and serve.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Q: What type of meatballs work best in this recipe?

A: You can use any type of meatballs you like – beef, pork, chicken, or even vegetarian options like tofu or tempeh. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Q: How do I adjust the sweetness and sourness levels?

A: You can adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or sugar to taste. For sourness, you can add more vinegar or lemon juice – just be careful not to make it too acidic.

Q: Can I use fresh or frozen meatballs?

A: Either works fine – just thaw frozen meatballs before adding them to the sauce.

Q: What’s the best way to serve this sauce?

A: You can serve it over rice, noodles, or even as a dipping sauce for your favorite snacks.

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