Sweet and Sour Meatballs: A Perfect Balance of Flavor
Savor the delicious combination of sweet and sour flavors in this delightful Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, offering juicy meatballs coated in a tangy sauce, perfect for gatherings or a satisfying family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The harmonious blend of sweet and tangy makes these Sweet and Sour Meatballs simply irresistible. Made with succulent meatballs and a sauce that’s a medley of flavors, this recipe is both easy and rich in taste. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a weekday dinner option, these meatballs are sure to impress with their unique flavor profile and ease of preparation.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also versatile. Sweet and Sour Meatballs can be served as a hearty main course or an appetizing starter. Their delightful taste is bound to be a hit across all age groups. Plus, they pair beautifully with a variety of sides, from steamed rice to fresh salads.
Context/Background
Sweet and sour dishes have a long history, stemming from Chinese cuisine, where the balance of flavors is key. This rendition of Sweet and Sour Meatballs captures the essence of these traditional flavors while adding a modern twist. Perfected over time, this recipe is a testament to how classic techniques can be adapted to suit contemporary tastes.
Recipe Details
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, vinegar, brown sugar, and ketchup. Heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Mix cornstarch with water and add to the sauce, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and stir to coat them evenly.
- Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- Ensure the meatball mixture is well-combined for better texture.
- Baking the meatballs helps to brown them evenly and retain juiciness.
- For a thicker sauce, adjust the cornstarch and water mixture accordingly.
- Experiment with adding bell peppers or chunks of pineapple for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet and Sour Meatballs are best served over a bed of steamed rice, alongside stir-fried vegetables, or with some fresh bread. This dish can also be an excellent addition to a buffet spread or potluck.
Storage and Leftovers
Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over low heat until heated through. These meatballs also freeze well for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
Bold, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, these Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a delightful dish you’ll want to make repeatedly. Whether you’re serving family or friends, this recipe is sure to enhance any meal with its perfect balance of sweet and tangy goodness.
Recipe Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce.
- Turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef to create a lighter dish.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar according to taste.