Name: Sweet Sour Meatballs: 7 Irresistible Recipes to Try
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large onion (shredded or finely chopped); 2 large eggs; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper (to taste); 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed); 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium); ⅓ cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; ¼ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple); ½ teaspoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 large onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 medium red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces); 1 medium green bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces); ½ cup pineapple chunks

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Sweet Sour Meatballs is a delightful dish that combines tender, flavorful beef meatballs with a tangy and slightly sweet sauce. This recipe features colorful bell peppers and juicy pineapple chunks, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this dish will become a family favorite. Let’s dive into how to make these scrumptious meatballs!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Sour Meatballs

This dish is packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a delightful addition to your dining table. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:

Quick to prepare: Takes only 30 minutes from start to finish.
Versatile: Great as a main dish or appetizer.
Family-friendly: Kids love the savory-sweet taste.
Healthy: Uses lean ground beef and fresh vegetables.
Customizable: Adjust sweetness and add your favorite veggies.
Perfect for meal prep: Enjoy throughout the week.

The Easy sweet sour meatball recipe is not only suitable for a busy lifestyle but also an Asian-style meatballs dish that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients for Sweet Sour Meatballs

Gather these items:

2 pounds ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 large onion (shredded or finely chopped)
2 large eggs
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper (to taste)
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
⅓ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon tomato paste

¼ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
½ teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 medium red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
1 medium green bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
½ cup pineapple chunks

How to Make Sweet Sour Meatballs Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, shredded onion, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Shape the mixture into small golf ball-sized meatballs and set aside.

Step 2: Place the meatballs into the air fryer basket and air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, arrange meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes until cooked through.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, ketchup, tomato paste, pineapple juice, cornstarch, and salt until smooth. Set the sauce mixture aside.
Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and both colored bell peppers, cooking for about 1 minute until slightly softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce into the wok with vegetables. Stir continuously as the sauce simmers and thickens to a glossy finish.
Step 6: Add the cooked meatballs along with pineapple chunks to the wok. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the sauce and cook for another 2 minutes to meld flavors. Remove from heat afterward.
Step 7: Serve the sweet and sour meatballs hot over steamed rice for a complete, satisfying meal.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Sweet Sour Meatballs

Keep these in mind:

This dish pairs well with steamed rice.

You can adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of brown sugar.
Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or snap peas.
For a different flavor, try using ground pork in your sweet sour pork meatballs.

Best Ways to Serve Sweet Sour Meatballs

Here are some serving ideas:

Serve over steamed rice for a hearty meal.
Use as a sweet sour meatballs appetizer at parties.

Pair with noodles for an Asian-inspired dinner.

How to Store and Reheat Sweet Sour Meatballs

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or place in a skillet over low heat until warmed. This makes for a great meal prep option!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Sour Meatballs

What’s the secret to perfect Sweet Sour Meatballs?

The secret lies in balancing the flavors of the sauce while ensuring that the meatballs are cooked to perfection. Using fresh ingredients enhances the overall taste of these savory-sweet meatballs.

Can I make Sweet Sour Meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance and store them separately. Just combine them before serving for the best results.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Sweet Sour Meatballs?

To avoid dryness, ensure not to overcook the meatballs. Keeping an eye on the cooking time is key to achieving that tender and juicy texture.

Variations of Sweet Sour Meatballs You Can Try

If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these variations:

Pineapple meatballs: Add more pineapple chunks for extra sweetness.
Slow cooker sweet sour meatballs: Cook them low and slow for a different texture.

Baked sweet sour meatballs: Bake them for a healthier option with less oil.

These variations keep the essence of the dish while allowing for creativity in the kitchen. Enjoy exploring different flavors while maintaining the delightful tangy profile!

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