Sweet and sour meatballs are a delightful combination of juicy meatballs and a tangy, flavorful sauce with vibrant bell peppers and pineapple chunks. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings and is sure to be a hit with everyone. Follow these steps to create a delicious and crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large onion (shredded or finely chopped)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sweet And Sour Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Main Dish:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 medium green bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- ½ cup pineapple chunks
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, shredded or finely chopped onion, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, each about 1 inch in diameter, rolling them between your palms to create uniform spheres. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a greased baking sheet.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with oil. This will prevent them from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Top of Form
- Bottom of Form
- Bake them in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned, ensuring they are evenly cooked and have a nice, golden exterior.
- Top of Form
- Bottom of Form
- Alternatively, you can pan-fry them in batches in a skillet with a bit of oil until they are browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, ketchup, tomato paste, pineapple juice, cornstarch, and salt until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the red and green bell peppers to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender-crisp.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the vegetables. Drizzle the sweet and sour sauce generously over the meatballs and vegetables, ensuring they are well coated.
- Gently stir to combine, making sure the meatballs are coated in the sauce. Add the pineapple chunks to the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce has thickened and everything is heated through.
- Serve:
- Serve the sweet and sour meatballs hot over steamed rice or noodles.
- For an added touch of flavor and presentation, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired. This will enhance both the taste and visual appeal of the meal.
Conclusion
Sweet and sour meatballs are a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the savory flavors of meatballs with the tangy sweetness of the sauce and the freshness of bell peppers and pineapple. This dish is perfect for family meals and is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Enjoy this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe for a delightful dining experience. Bon appétit!