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Welcome to a culinary delight that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds—Sweet and Sour Meatballs! Picture tender beef meatballs luxuriating in a glossy sweet and tangy sauce, dotted with juicy pineapple and vibrant bell pepper chunks. This recipe is a true weeknight hero, always ready to elevate your dinner table into a celebration.
Last summer, I brought these Sweet and Sour Meatballs to a neighborhood potluck, and the reception was overwhelming—everyone clamored for the recipe! Since then, it has become a staple on our family menu, bringing smiles and moments of joy with every bite.
The magic happens as the sweet pineapple gently infuses the sauce, creating a symphony of bright and tangy flavors in every mouthful. Whether you serve these meatballs as a party appetizer or as a comforting dinner over rice or noodles, they are bound to impress. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a dish that’s both comforting and captivating—a true crowd-pleaser, Sweet and Sour Meatballs.
Quick Benefits
- Moist and Tender Meatballs: Baking the meatballs gently and adding eggs ensures they stay moist and flavorful.
- Balanced Sweet and Sour Taste: The combination of pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and white vinegar creates a perfectly balanced sweet and sour flavor profile.
- Versatile Ingredient Options: Ground turkey can be used instead of beef for a lighter version, and fresh pineapple juice and chunks can enhance the dish with a more vibrant flavor.
- Easy Reheating and Meal Prep: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for several days and reheated easily on the stove or in the microwave, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe Recipe
- Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a celebratory meal – versatile and satisfying.
- The sweet and tangy sauce with pineapple and bell pepper adds a burst of flavor to each bite.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it great for meal prep or packed lunches.
- Can easily be customized with different meats like chicken or plant-based options for variety.
- A fusion of Jewish and Chinese-American flavors creates a unique and delectable dish.
- Offers a balance of savory and sweet flavors, making it appealing to a wide range of taste preferences.
- Easy to freeze for future meals – great for busy days when you need a quick and delicious option.
- Can be served as a main dish over rice or noodles, or as an appetizer for gatherings – versatile and crowd-pleasing.
- The baking method for the meatballs ensures a moist and tender texture, making them a favorite among all age groups.
- Using fresh pineapple juice and chunks elevates the dish with a more vibrant and fresh taste.
Ingredients for Delicious Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
Meatballs
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 2 pounds ground beef
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1/3 cup diced yellow bell pepper
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, chunks reserved
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Juice from canned pineapple (plus pineapple chunks) to make 1 cup liquid
Serving
- 6 cups cooked white rice
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Pro Tips for Delicious Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
Pro tip #1: To ensure moist and tender meatballs, bake them gently and be careful not to overmix the meat. Adding eggs to the mixture helps with keeping the texture light and flavorful.
Pro tip #2: For a vibrant and fresh twist, consider using fresh pineapple juice and chunks instead of canned. This will elevate the flavors of the dish and add a burst of tropical taste to your sweet and sour meatballs.
Pro tip #3: Leftovers are great for meal prep lunches and the flavors actually improve overnight. Reheat gently with a splash of water to keep the sauce smooth and delicious. Serve the meatballs over steamed or fried rice, noodles, quinoa, or alongside a crisp salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.
How to Make Delicious Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake Meatballs
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, eggs, dried parsley, turmeric, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Shape into 1-inch meatballs.
3. Place meatballs on a greased rimmed baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Step 2: Prepare Sweet and Sour Sauce
Combine cornstarch and light brown sugar in a saucepan. Stir in soy sauce, distilled white vinegar, and pineapple juice (add water if needed) to make 1 cup of liquid. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Add the baked meatballs, reserved pineapple chunks, and diced yellow bell pepper to the saucepan. Stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through and well coated.
Step 4: Serve
Scoop meatballs and sauce generously onto cooked white rice. Sprinkle with chopped parsley as garnish and serve promptly.
Storage Tips
To store the finished sweet and sour meatballs, allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. The meatballs and sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days. The flavors of this dish actually improve with time, making it a great option for meal prep lunches. When reheating, do so gently either on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
For longer storage, you can freeze the meatballs and sauce separately. After baking and cooling the meatballs, arrange them in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. The sauce can also be frozen separately. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat everything together from frozen for a convenient and delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a vegetarian twist, you can easily swap out the ground beef for plant-based ground meat to make vegetarian sweet and sour meatballs. The plant-based alternative will still soak up the delicious sweet and tangy flavors of the sauce, making for a tasty meat-free option.
If you don’t have turmeric on hand, you can substitute it with a pinch of curry powder to introduce a similar warm and earthy flavor profile to the dish. This swap will still provide a hint of spice and depth to the sauce without compromising the overall taste of the sweet and sour meatballs.
Fresh pineapple can be used instead of canned pineapple for a more vibrant and fresh twist on the dish. Using fresh pineapple juice and pineapple chunks will elevate the flavors and add a burst of natural sweetness to the sauce. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness level accordingly based on the ripeness of the fresh pineapple you use.
Serving Suggestions
For a creative serving suggestion, try skewering these sweet and sour meatballs along with pineapple chunks and bell pepper pieces on bamboo sticks for a fun and colorful appetizer or party snack. The vibrant colors and tangy flavors make these skewers a hit at any gathering!
Another unique idea is to serve the sweet and sour meatballs over a bed of fragrant coconut jasmine rice. The tropical notes of coconut paired with the sweet and tangy meatballs create a delightful fusion of flavors that will transport your taste buds to a paradise island. Garnish with fresh cilantro and toasted coconut flakes for an extra touch of exotic flair.
FAQs for Delicious Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this recipe?
Yes, ground turkey works well instead of beef for a lighter version. Just adjust the spices and cooking time as needed to suit your preferences.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple in this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple juice and chunks will add even more vibrant flavor to the dish. Feel free to substitute fresh pineapple if it’s in season.
What is the best way to reheat leftover sweet and sour meatballs?
Reheat the meatballs gently on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of water to the sauce to keep it smooth while reheating.
What are the best side dishes to serve with sweet and sour meatballs?
Steamed or fried rice is ideal, but noodles, quinoa, or even a crisp salad can complement this dish perfectly. Consider adding a side of crisp green vegetables or a big salad for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sweet and Sour Meatballs are not just a recipe—they are a tradition, a memory in the making, and a surefire way to bring smiles to the table. The vibrant flavors of pineapple, the savory notes of beef, and the tangy sauce all come together to create a dish that is as versatile as it is delicious.
Whether you’re serving these meatballs at a gathering with friends or as a comforting weeknight dinner with family, they are a guaranteed success. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and let the sweet and sour magic of these meatballs elevate your dining experience. Your taste buds will thank you, and your loved ones will be asking for seconds in no time. Enjoy the process of creating and savoring these Sweet and Sour Meatballs—it’s a culinary journey worth taking!
Delicious Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
“Juicy meatballs bathed in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce, a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight dinners or party appetizers.”
Prep Time25 min
Cook Time35 min
Total Time60 min
CuisineAmerican
Skill LevelEasy
Servings6 Servings (36 to 40 meatballs)
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 2 pounds ground beef
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1/3 cup diced yellow bell pepper
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, chunks reserved
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Juice from canned pineapple (plus pineapple chunks) to make 1 cup liquid
Serving
- 6 cups cooked white rice
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
-
Prepare and Bake Meatballs: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, eggs, dried parsley, turmeric, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Shape into 1-inch meatballs.
3. Place meatballs on a greased rimmed baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes until browned and cooked through. -
Prepare Sweet and Sour Sauce: Combine cornstarch and light brown sugar in a saucepan. Stir in soy sauce, distilled white vinegar, and pineapple juice (add water if needed) to make 1 cup of liquid. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until slightly thickened.
-
Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add the baked meatballs, reserved pineapple chunks, and diced yellow bell pepper to the saucepan. Stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through and well coated.
-
Serve: Scoop meatballs and sauce generously onto cooked white rice. Sprinkle with chopped parsley as garnish and serve promptly.
