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
Scale
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
