Indulge in the irresistible taste of sweet and sour meatballs, a dish that combines savory meatballs with a tangy sauce for a delightful culinary experience. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, these meatballs are both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp pepper
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup vinegar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1 tbsp cornstarch
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 25 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (approximately 4 meatballs) contains about 320 calories, 18g of fat, 20g of protein, 10g of carbohydrates, and 6g of sugars.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Mold the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
- In a saucepan, mix pineapple juice, brown sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer.
- Dissolve cornstarch in a little water and add it to the sauce to thicken.
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and stir gently to coat.
- Serve warm, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Additionally, use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version or replace pineapple juice with orange juice for a different flavor profile.
Serving and Pairings
These sweet and sour meatballs pair wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. They also make a great appetizer at parties when served with toothpicks.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, or microwave for about 1-2 minutes. These meatballs can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the meatball mixture can lead to tough meatballs.
- Don’t skip the baking step; frying can make them greasy.
- Ensure the meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Let the sauce simmer long enough to develop flavor.
- Adjust sweetness and tanginess to your preference.
Helpful Tips
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs.
- For extra flavor, add chopped herbs like parsley or basil.
- Consider adding chopped bell peppers to the meat mixture.
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs instead?
Yes, frozen meatballs can be used. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. Thawing them before adding to the sauce helps incorporate flavors better.
What can I serve with sweet and sour meatballs?
These meatballs are great with rice, noodles, or a simple green salad. They also make a fantastic appetizer with toothpicks for parties.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them on the stove or in the microwave until warm.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it before adding the meatballs.
Is it possible to make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Sweet and sour meatballs are a delightful dish that brings together a perfect balance of flavors. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is ideal for any home cook. Serve them at your next gathering or enjoy them as a comforting meal any day of the week.
Sweet And Sour Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Mold the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
- In a saucepan, mix pineapple juice, brown sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer.
- Dissolve cornstarch in a little water and add it to the sauce to thicken.
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and stir gently to coat.
- Serve warm, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.
