Easy Sweet and Sour Meatballs a juicy and tender meatballs coated in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce make for an irresistible dish that can be served as a main course or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. This recipe comes together quickly, offering the perfect balance of flavor and simplicity.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is ready in under an hour.
Versatile: Serve it as a hearty main course with rice or noodles, or as a delicious appetizer.
Flavorful: The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors makes this dish unforgettable.
Customizable: Swap out beef for chicken, turkey, or pork to suit your preference.
Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef (or a combination)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Directions
Prepare the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
Make the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and stir continuously until it thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Combine: Add the baked meatballs to the saucepan and toss them in the sauce to coat thoroughly. Let them simmer for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Serve hot as an appetizer or over a bed of rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Variations
Protein Options: Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a leaner alternative.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the meatballs with plant-based alternatives or homemade veggie balls.
Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Tropical Flavor: Stir in some pineapple chunks for a fruity twist.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari in place of soy sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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FAQs
How can I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Ensure the mixture is thoroughly combined, and avoid overhandling when shaping the meatballs. Chilling them for a few minutes before baking can help maintain their shape.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance. Store them separately and combine them just before serving.
Can I use bottled sweet and sour sauce instead?
Absolutely! While homemade sauce tastes fresher, a high-quality bottled sauce can save time and work just as well.
What side dishes pair well with sweet and sour meatballs?
These meatballs are delicious with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or even a simple green salad.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If the sauce doesn’t thicken as desired, mix another small batch of cornstarch slurry and stir it into the sauce over low heat until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Conclusion
Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making them a versatile dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a comforting main course, this recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing result every time. Give it a try, and enjoy a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
📖 Recipe:
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Easy Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy sweet and sour meatballs coated in a tangy, savory sauce are perfect for a quick dinner or appetizer. Ready in under an hour, this family-friendly recipe is easy, customizable, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef (or combination of meats)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and fully cooked.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens (1-2 minutes).
- Combine:
- Add baked meatballs to the saucepan, tossing to coat.
- Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve:
- Enjoy as an appetizer or over rice/noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
For a spicier sauce, add chili flakes or sriracha.
Add pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari for a gluten-free version.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking and Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
