sweet n sour meatballs recipe

The Best sweet n sour meatballs recipe

I’ve been making sweet and sour meatballs for years, and they’re always a hit with my family. The dish is a classic Chinese-American recipe that’s been around for decades, and it’s easy to see why it’s remained so popular.

The combination of tangy sweet and sour sauce, savory meatballs, and crunchy vegetables is a match made in heaven. I love that this recipe is easy to customize to your taste – you can adjust the level of sweetness, add in different types of meat or vegetables, and even make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun weekend meal, or a crowd-pleasing dish for a party or holiday gathering. My kids love helping me make the meatballs, and they’re always excited to taste the final product.

I’ve found that this recipe is also a great way to get my kids to eat more veggies – they don’t even realize they’re eating broccoli or carrots because they’re mixed in with the meatballs. And let’s not forget the health benefits – by using lean ground turkey and plenty of vegetables, we’re getting a nutritious meal that’s also delicious.

Over the years, I’ve perfected my technique for making these meatballs – I use a combination of beef broth and cornstarch to give them that perfect texture, and I always make sure to cook them until they’re nice and browned on the outside. Whether you’re serving these at home or taking them to a potluck or party, I promise you’ll be the star of the show with this sweet and sour meatball recipe.

Sweet n Sour Meatballs

4.8 from 669 votes

Sweet n Sour Meatballs are a delightful dish featuring tender meatballs smothered in a tangy and sweet sauce. This recipe combines savory meatballs with a perfectly balanced sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Sauce

1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 400°F.
2In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
5Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through, with internal temperature reaching 160°F.
7While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce.
8In a saucepan, combine ketchup, sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, and soy sauce.
9Stir well and bring to a boil over medium heat.
10Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
11Add the minced garlic to the sauce and stir well.
12In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
13Slowly pour the slurry into the saucepan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
14Once the meatballs are done, carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the sweet n sour sauce.
15Gently stir to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
16Cook for an additional 5 minutes over low heat, allowing the meatballs to absorb some of the sauce.
17Remove from heat and let the meatballs rest for a few minutes.
18Serve the sweet n sour meatballs hot, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
19Enjoy with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 25g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the amount of sugar.

Watch Video Of How Sweet n Sour Meatballs Works

This sweet and sour meatball recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a party or holiday gathering. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so easy to customize to your taste – you can adjust the level of sweetness, add in different types of meat or vegetables, and even make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce.

If you’re looking for ideas on how to store and reheat these meatballs, try storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When reheating, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or heat them up quickly in the microwave or oven.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet n Sour Meatballs

Q: What type of meat works best for this recipe?

This recipe works well with any type of ground meat you prefer – beef, pork, turkey, or even a combination of meats.

Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Q: How do I prevent the meatballs from breaking apart when I add them to the sauce?

To prevent the meatballs from breaking apart, make sure they are fully coated with the egg mixture before adding them to the sauce.

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in place of fresh ones.

Q: What if I don’t have any beef broth on hand?

You can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth if you don’t have beef broth.

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