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Snappy Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

a plate of meatballs and vegetables from sweet and sour meatballs recipe

5 from 1 review

This sweet and sour meatballs recipe promises a perfect balance of flavors. Juicy meatballs are coated in a tangy, sweet sauce, making this dish a family favorite for dinner or parties. Quick, easy, and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Ingredients

  • 500 g ground beef
  • 1 medium-sized onion (chopped finely)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoon flour
  • cooking oil for frying

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of ketchup
  • 1/2 cup of brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup of white vinegar or rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup of pineapple juice (if using canned pineapple chunks, you can use the juice from the can)
  • Optional: pineapple chunks, diced green bell pepper, white or yellow onions
  • Young onions or minced parsley for garnish (optional)

For the slurry

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

  1. Lightly oil your hands with vegetable oil to allow you to roll even spheres without the meat mixture adhering to your skin.
  2. Place ground beef in a sizable mixing bowl. Add the rest of the meatball ingredients and mix them thoroughly but gently. Do not overmix.
  3. Fry the meatballs and set aside.
  4. Mix the sauce ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Make sure to cook the sauce gently.
  5. While the sauce thickens, in a small bowl, create a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water. Once smooth, gradually add this slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly to avoid lump formation. Continue to cook for a few minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency; it should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  6. Carefully pour the sweet and sour sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated. If using a slow cooker, the meatballs can be added to the sauce and set to low heat to stay warm until serving.
  7. Garnish with young onions or chopped parsley.