Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a delicious dish that’s perfect for family dinners or as a party appetizer. The meatballs are made from ground beef, breadcrumbs, and onion, and are cooked to perfection. Once they’re browned, a sweet and tangy sauce made from brown sugar, ketchup, cider vinegar, and soy sauce is poured over the meatballs, creating a mouthwatering combination of flavors. This dish can be served on its own, over rice, or with vegetables on the side. Whether you’re serving them as a main course or an appetizer, these Sweet and Sour Meatballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines the savory taste of tender beef meatballs with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. This dish is ideal for dinner or can be served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering.
Let’s take a look at the ingredients that make these Sweet and Sour Meatballs so flavorful and satisfying.
INGREDIENTS
- Ground Beef: The base of the meatballs, providing a juicy and savory flavor. You can also substitute ground pork or turkey for a lighter option.
- Dry Bread Crumbs: Help bind the meatballs together, giving them a perfect texture. You can use plain or seasoned bread crumbs depending on your preference.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the meatballs. Be sure to chop the onion finely so it incorporates well into the mixture.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, helping to hold the meatballs together while they cook.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the flavor of the meatballs.
- Brown Sugar: Used in the sauce to create a rich sweetness that balances the tangy ingredients.
- Ketchup: Adds a slight tomato flavor and sweetness to the sauce, making it rich and delicious.
- Cider Vinegar: Provides the tangy kick that makes this dish stand out, giving the sauce its signature sweet and sour flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami depth to the sauce that complements the sweetness and acidity.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce, ensuring it clings to the meatballs for a glossy, delicious finish.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onion, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Step 2:
- Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs, making sure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Step 3:
- In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook the meatballs until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the meatballs to a plate while preparing the sauce.
- Step 4:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, water, ketchup, cider vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Step 5:
- Return the meatballs to the skillet over medium heat and pour the sweet and sour sauce over them. Stir to coat the meatballs evenly.
- Step 6:
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meatballs. The sauce should be glossy and cling to the meatballs nicely.
- Step 7:
- Serve the meatballs hot, with rice or vegetables on the side if desired. Enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are perfect as an appetizer for parties or as a main dish served over rice. They pair wonderfully with steamed vegetables, or you can enjoy them on their own as a flavorful, bite-sized snack. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
- Freezing: These meatballs freeze well. You can freeze them either before or after adding the sauce. To freeze, allow the meatballs to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed. If freezing without the sauce, prepare the sauce fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Helpful Notes
- Customizing the Meatballs: For added flavor, you can mix ground pork with the beef or substitute it entirely for a different taste. You can also add minced garlic or ginger to the meatball mixture for extra depth.
- Adjusting the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly. You can also add a little more soy sauce for extra savory flavor.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you find the sauce too thin, add a little more cornstarch to thicken it. Dissolve the cornstarch in water before adding it to prevent lumps.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Amy suggests adding pineapple chunks to the sweet and sour sauce for a tropical twist that complements the meatballs.
- Chef David recommends using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture in the meatballs.
- Chef Ellie advises making a double batch of the sauce if you prefer your meatballs extra saucy – perfect for serving over rice!