Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that brings together tender meatballs with a tangy and sweet sauce filled with pineapple, bell peppers, and classic flavors. Perfect for serving as an appetizer or as a main dish over rice, these meatballs are packed with flavor and easy to make. With a delicious homemade sauce, this dish is a fun twist on classic meatballs that will surely become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- One pound (450 g) of ground beef, pork, or a delightful blend of the two, perfect for adding depth and flavor to your dish.
- 1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup (240 ml) pineapple juice (or juice from canned pineapple chunks)
- One tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of water, ideal for achieving a thicker consistency in your dish.
- Half of a red bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces to add a vibrant color and a sweet crunch.
- 1/2 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 cup (150 g) pineapple chunks (optional, canned or fresh)
Instructions:
- Make the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or pork, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using). Thoroughly combine the ingredients, ensuring they are uniformly blended throughout the mixture.
- Form and Fry the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs, approximately one inch in diameter, for uniformity and easy cooking. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
- Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In the same skillet, add the ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and pineapple juice.
- Add the Vegetables and Pineapple: Add the red and green bell peppers and pineapple chunks to the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the peppers start to soften slightly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook for another minute, or until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Return the golden-browned meatballs to the skillet, immersing them in the flavorful sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the sweet and sour flavors and heat through.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot over rice or noodles, garnished with extra chopped parsley if desired.
Conclusion:
These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a delightful blend of flavors and textures, with juicy meatballs and a vibrant sauce that’s both sweet and tangy. Perfect for family dinners or parties, this dish is sure to please guests and become a favorite go-to recipe.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Pineapple and Bell Peppers
Tender meatballs in a homemade sweet and sour saucewith bell peppers and pineapple. Serve over rice for a flavorful and satisfyingmeal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- One pound 450 g of ground beef, pork, or a delightful blend of the two, perfect for adding depth and flavor to your dish.
- 1/2 cup 50 g breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup 30 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for frying
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1/2 cup 120 ml ketchup
- 1/2 cup 120 ml rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup 100 g light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup 240 ml pineapple juice (or juice from canned pineapple chunks)
- One tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of water ideal for achieving a thicker consistency in your dish.
- Half of a red bell pepper chopped into bite-sized pieces to add a vibrant color and a sweet crunch.
- 1/2 green bell pepper cut into chunks
- 1 cup 150 g pineapple chunks (optional, canned or fresh)
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or pork, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using). Thoroughly combine the ingredients, ensuring they are uniformly blended throughout the mixture.
- Form and Fry the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs, approximately one inch in diameter, for uniformity and easy cooking. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
- Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In the same skillet, add the ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and pineapple juice.
- Add the Vegetables and Pineapple: Add the red and green bell peppers and pineapple chunks to the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the peppers start to soften slightly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook for another minute, or until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Return the golden-browned meatballs to the skillet, immersing them in the flavorful sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the sweet and sour flavors and heat through.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot over rice or noodles, garnished with extra chopped parsley if desired.