Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
Sweet and sour meatballs are a delightful appetizer or main dish, perfect for parties or a comforting meal. The tangy sauce made with pineapple juice and vinegar balances beautifully with the savory meatballs. They’re easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp. water
- 64 (½ oz.) meatballs
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large saucepan, combine pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Stir this into the simmering sauce and continue to cook for 5 minutes until it thickens.
- Step 3: Add the meatballs to the sauce, stirring to coat them completely. Cover the pan and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add chopped bell peppers or pineapple chunks to the sauce during simmering.
- Use homemade meatballs or your favorite store-bought variety for convenience.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze sweet and sour meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with sweet and sour meatballs?
These meatballs pair well with steamed rice, noodles, or a simple green vegetable for a complete meal.
Print
Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (approximately 8 meatballs per serving) 1x
Description
This Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe features tender meatballs coated in a tangy and flavorful homemade sweet and sour sauce made with pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce. Perfect as a delicious appetizer or main dish served with rice or noodles, the meatballs simmer gently in the sauce until fully warmed and infused with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp. water
Meatballs
- 64 (½ oz.) frozen or pre-cooked meatballs
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a smooth slurry. Gradually add this slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Heat the Meatballs: Add the meatballs into the thickened sauce, stirring gently to coat them evenly. Cover the saucepan and let the meatballs simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are thoroughly warmed and infused with the sweet and sour flavor.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked or frozen meatballs for convenience; fully raw meatballs will require longer cooking time.
- Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by varying the amount of brown sugar or vinegar to your taste.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- For added texture, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Chinese
Keywords: sweet and sour meatballs, easy meatball recipe, appetizer, party food, pineapple sauce, quick dinner
