sweet and sour sauce meatballs recipe

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

I have been making sweet and sour sauce meatballs for years, and they are always a hit with my family. The dish originated in the United States, where it was popularized by Chinese-American cuisine. The sweet and sour flavor profile is a perfect combination of tangy and sweet, making it a crowd-pleaser.

The key to making great meatballs is to use a combination of beef and pork, which provides a good balance of flavors and textures. I like to use ground beef with a high fat content, as it makes the meatballs more tender and juicy. I also add some breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture together.

To make the meatballs extra flavorful, I mix in some chopped onion, garlic, and herbs like parsley and thyme. When I cook the meatballs, I like to use a combination of baking and broiling to give them a nice crust on the outside while keeping them juicy on the inside. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event.

It’s also great for meal prep, as you can make a big batch of meatballs on the weekend and store them in the fridge or freezer for later use. My kids love helping me make this recipe because it’s easy to customize with their favorite ingredients. They’re also happy to eat these meatballs because they’re so delicious!

As an added bonus, this recipe is relatively healthy compared to other meatball recipes. By using lean beef and pork, we reduce the fat content without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Sweet and Sour Sauce Meatballs

Sweet and Sour Sauce Meatballs

4.6 from 1619 votes

Tender meatballs smothered in a tangy sweet and sour sauce. A classic dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

500g ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce

1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and black pepper.
3Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
5Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
7While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sweet and sour sauce.
8In a skillet, sauté chopped bell pepper and onion over medium heat until softened.
9Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
10In a separate bowl, mix ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, and water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
11Pour this mixture into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
12Stir well and bring to a boil over medium heat.
13Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, or until it has thickened.
14Add the baked meatballs to the skillet, coating them evenly with the sauce.
15Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Skillet
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 28g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a slight kick. Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

One of the best things about this sweet and sour sauce meatballs recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as an appetizer or main course at home or take it along to potlucks and gatherings.

When storing leftovers, be sure to keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

To reheat frozen meatballs, simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re cooked through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet and Sour Sauce Meatballs

Q: What type of meat should I use for the meatballs?

A: For this recipe, you can use either ground beef or ground pork or a combination of both. Ground beef will give your meatballs a coarser texture while ground pork will make them more tender and juicy.

Q: How do I store leftover meatballs?

A: You can store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe without using breadcrumbs?

A: Yes, you can omit the breadcrumbs if you prefer but keep in mind that they help bind the mixture together and provide texture.

Q: How do I reheat frozen meatballs?

A: To reheat frozen meatballs, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re cooked through.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the meatball mixture?

A: Yes, feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.

Q: How do I serve these meatballs?

A: You can serve these meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks or as part of a main course with rice or noodles.

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