Description
A delightful blend of sweet and savory, these Sweet and Sour Meatballs are perfect for family dinners or gatherings, served with pineapple and a glossy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (or half pork, half beef)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pineapple chunks
- Sweet pepper
Instructions
- Mix the sauce ingredients together.
- Simmer the meatballs in the sauce.
- Add pineapple chunks.
- In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, salt, and pepper; mix gently and form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat, turning so they get a golden crust (they don’t need to be fully cooked through).
- Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, nestle the browned meatballs in the sauce, reduce heat to low, and cover to simmer for 12–15 minutes until cooked through.
- Stir in pineapple chunks and sweet pepper, then simmer uncovered for 3–5 minutes to meld flavors and warm the fruit.
- If needed, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until glossy and slightly thickened.
- Taste and adjust the sweet-sour balance, then serve over rice, egg noodles, or in sliders.
Notes
For a smoky twist, blend in smoked paprika. To make it gluten-free, substitute gluten-free soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American