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Easy Sweet and Sour Meatballs

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Mix and form beef meatballs, brown them, then simmer in an easy homemade sweet and sour sauce. Ready in 30 minutes for dinner or party appetizers.
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Updated on Fri, 03 Jan 2025 04:43:41 GMT
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Sweet and Sour Meatballs | myhomemaderecipe.com

The perfect blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors makes these Sweet and Sour Meatballs impossible to resist. Every bite delivers tender, juicy meatballs coated in a glossy sauce that strikes just the right balance between zippy vinegar and rich brown sugar.

I discovered the secret to these meatballs during a potluck when someone mentioned adding a splash more vinegar than usual. That extra tang made all the difference - now they're requested at every gathering.

Essential Ingredients Selection

  • Ground beef: 80/20 blend for best flavor and texture
  • Bread crumbs: Fresh crumbs make more tender meatballs
  • Apple cider vinegar: Use real cider vinegar, not white
  • Brown sugar: Dark adds deeper caramel notes
  • Fresh aromatics: Grated onion releases more flavor

Detailed Cooking Steps

Perfect the meatballs:
Gently mix ingredients to avoid tough meat. Use dampened hands when shaping. Keep size consistent for even cooking.
Master the browning:
Don't overcrowd the pan. Let them develop good crust. Turn carefully to maintain shape.
Create silky sauce:
Whisk cornstarch thoroughly. Add sauce ingredients in order. Simmer until properly thickened.
Finish with finesse:
Coat meatballs evenly. Let sauce reduce slightly. Check seasoning at the end.

The Art of Balance

Through many batches, I've learned that letting the sauce reduce until it coats the back of a spoon creates the perfect consistency.

Make-Ahead Magic

These actually taste better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld.

My grandmother always added a tiny pinch of five-spice powder to her version. She said it was her "secret weapon" for making them extra special.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use cookie scoop for uniform size
  • Keep a bowl of water nearby when shaping
  • Start sauce while meatballs cook

This recipe has become my go-to for potlucks and family dinners. There's something magical about watching people's faces light up when they taste that perfect balance of sweet and sour. Even better is seeing empty plates and hearing requests for the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead?
Yes! Make meatballs ahead and reheat in the sauce when ready to serve.
→ Can I use frozen meatballs?
Sure! Just heat them through before adding the sauce.
→ What can I serve these with?
Serve over rice, noodles, or with toothpicks as appetizers.
→ Can I make these in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook meatballs first, then warm in sauce on low for 2-3 hours.
→ Can I use different meat?
Ground pork, turkey, or chicken all work well in this recipe.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Tender beef meatballs cooked in a homemade sweet and sour sauce. Great as appetizers or served over rice for dinner.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Yield: 4 Servings (16-20 meatballs)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Meatballs

01 1 pound ground beef
02 1 cup dry bread crumbs
03 1 onion, chopped
04 1 egg
05 Salt and pepper to taste

→ Sweet and Sour Sauce

06 1 cup brown sugar
07 1 cup water
08 ½ cup ketchup
09 ½ cup cider vinegar
10 2 tablespoons soy sauce
11 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

Step 01

Mix your ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined.

Step 02

Roll the meat mixture into 1½-inch meatballs.

Step 03

Brown those meatballs in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until cooked through.

Step 04

Mix up your brown sugar, water, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch until smooth.

Step 05

Pour that sweet and sour sauce over your meatballs and let it simmer on low for 3-5 minutes until nice and thick.

Notes

  1. These Asian-inspired sweet and sour meatballs work great as an appetizer or served over rice for a complete meal.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large nonstick skillet
  • Medium bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs
  • Wheat
  • Soy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 300
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 30 g
  • Protein: 18 g