sweet and sour kielbasa recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best sweet and sour kielbasa recipe

I’ve been making sweet and sour kielbasa recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish originated in Eastern Europe, where kielbasa is a staple meat.

I like to think of it as a Polish-American fusion dish, with the sweetness of the sauce balancing out the tanginess of the kielbasa. My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients, and they always get excited when they see the finished product on the table.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make – just toss the kielbasa in a skillet with some onions, bell peppers, and a can of pineapple rings, and let it simmer until the sauce thickens up. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Plus, it’s a great way to get some protein and veggies into your diet without feeling like you’re eating ‘healthy food’. We like to serve it over rice or egg noodles, but you can also use it as a topping for baked potatoes or as a filling for tacos.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that you can customize it to your taste – if you like spicy food, add some diced jalapenos to the sauce. If you prefer milder flavors, use less hot sauce or omit the red pepper flakes altogether.

Either way, this sweet and sour kielbasa recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.

Sweet and Sour Kielbasa

4.8 from 1615 votes

This sweet and sour kielbasa recipe combines smoky sausage with a tangy pineapple and bell pepper sauce. It is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Kielbasa and Vegetables

1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 green bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 red bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped into 1-inch pieces

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce

1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks in juice, drained, juice reserved
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2Add the sliced kielbasa and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until the sausage is browned on both sides.
3Remove the kielbasa with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
4Add the chopped bell peppers and onion to the same skillet.
5Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly charred.
6Return the browned kielbasa to the skillet.
7In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and ketchup until the sugar dissolves.
8In a separate small bowl, stir the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to form a smooth slurry.
9Pour the sauce mixture over the kielbasa and vegetables in the skillet.
10Bring the sauce to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
11Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
12Add the drained pineapple chunks to the skillet and stir gently to combine.
13Cook for 1 minute until the pineapple is heated through.
14Serve immediately over steamed rice or as an appetizer with toothpicks.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or wok
Small bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 55mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 24g🥩Protein: 14g

📝Notes

For a thicker sauce, add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water. You can substitute low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content. This dish also works well with chicken or turkey kielbasa.

Watch Video Of How Sweet and Sour Kielbasa Works

This sweet and sour kielbasa recipe is one of our go-to meals for busy weeknights or special occasions alike – because it’s easy to make ahead of time and reheats beautifully. We love serving it over rice or egg noodles, but feel free to get creative with different serving ideas!

If you’re planning ahead, consider storing leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for up to three days – just reheat when needed. For longer-term storage options (or if you want to freeze individual portions), wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating or freezing.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet and Sour Kielbasa

Q: What type of kielbasa should I use for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, I recommend using a smoked or garlicky kielbasa – it adds so much flavor to the dish! You can also use regular old-fashioned pork sausage if you can’t find kielbasa at your local grocery store.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A: Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them up. Just be sure to add all the ingredients together at once and let them simmer for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

A: To prevent the sauce from getting too thick, make sure to stir it frequently while it’s cooking – especially if you’re using high heat. If you notice that it’s getting too thick, just add a little bit of water or broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q: Can I use other types of meat instead of kielbasa?

A: While kielbasa is definitely the star of this show, you can substitute other types of meat if you prefer – such as chicken breast or thighs, beef strips, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

A: This sweet and sour kielbasa recipe is gluten-free and suitable for most people with dietary restrictions – but be sure to check with your guests beforehand if they have any specific needs or allergies.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

A: Yes! This sweet and sour kielbasa recipe works beautifully in a slow cooker – just brown the meat in a skillet first (if using), then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours before serving.

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