Sweet and sour meatballs are a classic dish that combines savory meatballs with a tangy and sweet sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties and gatherings. The combination of flavors in the sauce perfectly complements the juicy meatballs, making this dish a surefire hit with everyone.
Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
How to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs:
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Add the pineapple chunks and bell pepper. Stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve: Serve the sweet and sour meatballs hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired. Enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: Ground beef is the base of the meatballs, providing protein and a savory flavor.
- Pineapple: Pineapple adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish, complementing the savory meatballs.
- Bell Pepper: Bell pepper adds color and texture to the dish, as well as a mild, sweet flavor.
- Ketchup: Ketchup is used to create the base of the sweet and sour sauce, adding a tangy flavor.
- Vinegar: Vinegar provides acidity to the sauce, balancing out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps to thicken the sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds depth of flavor and a savory umami element to the sauce.
- Garlic and Onion: Garlic and onion add aromatic flavor to the meatballs, enhancing their overall taste.
This sweet and sour meatballs recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. The combination of savory meatballs and tangy sauce is simply irresistible!
