These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and a little sweetness. The meatballs are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a luscious sauce that adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or as the main dish, they will always be a hit at the dinner table.
The best part? These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are incredibly easy to make and quick to prepare. The sauce, with its rich flavors from ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce, ties the meatballs together perfectly. For those who love a little heat, the red pepper flakes can be added to give the dish an extra kick. Serve them with rice, noodles, or as-is for a comforting and tasty meal.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1/4 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup milk
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1 egg
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)
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1 cup ketchup
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
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Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set them aside.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, cooking for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the meatballs and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
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In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir over medium heat until the sauce is heated through and the sugar has dissolved.
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Add the cooked meatballs to the saucepan with the sweet and sour sauce. Toss gently to coat the meatballs with the sauce.
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Simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the meatballs. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 330 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
What Makes Sweet and Sour Meatballs So Special?
The magic behind Sweet and Sour Meatballs lies in its simplicity and balance of flavors. The meatballs themselves are flavorful yet mild, allowing the star of the dish—the sauce—to truly shine. The sauce is a delightful blend of ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. This mixture creates a perfect contrast of tanginess, sweetness, and umami. It’s a perfect match for the meatballs, giving each bite an explosion of flavor.
The versatility of the dish also makes it a favorite. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes such as rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. Additionally, it can be served as a main course or an appetizer, making it suitable for different occasions, from casual family dinners to fancy gatherings.
The Key to Perfect Meatballs
The meatballs in this dish are the foundation of the recipe, and while the sauce is crucial, the meatballs must also be just right. Ground beef is commonly used, as it provides the best balance of flavor and texture. Adding breadcrumbs helps bind the meatballs together, making them tender and easy to shape. The key to ensuring juicy, flavorful meatballs is to mix the ingredients gently—overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
Another tip to make sure your meatballs turn out perfectly is to fry them in a hot pan, allowing them to brown and develop a crispy exterior before simmering them in the sauce. The crispy crust provides a nice contrast to the tender interior, adding extra texture to the dish.
How to Customize Your Sweet and Sour Meatballs
One of the great things about this recipe is its flexibility. While the base recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily swap it out for other proteins like ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner alternative. If you prefer a more complex flavor, you can even try mixing ground beef with ground pork, which will add extra richness to the meatballs.
Additionally, the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce can be adjusted based on your preferences. If you like your sauce on the sweeter side, you can add a little more brown sugar. If you prefer it tangier, increase the amount of apple cider vinegar. For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can bring a spicy kick to the dish.
You can also experiment with the seasoning of the meatballs. Adding a bit of garlic, onion powder, or even some fresh herbs like parsley or basil will give the meatballs a burst of flavor that complements the sauce. Don’t hesitate to get creative with the ingredients—Sweet and Sour Meatballs are versatile and can be adapted to suit your personal tastes.
Serving Suggestions for Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Sweet and Sour Meatballs are extremely versatile when it comes to pairing with side dishes. For a comforting and satisfying meal, serve them over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice. The rice soaks up the sauce, making each bite even more flavorful. You can also serve the meatballs with mashed potatoes for a hearty option, or pair them with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a more balanced plate.
For a fun twist, try serving the Sweet and Sour Meatballs as an appetizer for a party or gathering. Place the meatballs on a platter and serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking. They also pair well with dipping sauces like ranch or even a spicy mustard to add a little extra zing to the flavor.
Another great way to enjoy these meatballs is by using them in sandwiches or wraps. Simply place a few meatballs on a soft roll or tortilla, add some extra sauce, and top with fresh greens or pickles for a quick and tasty meal. The versatility of this dish makes it perfect for meal prep or for entertaining guests.
Why Sweet and Sour Meatballs Are a Perfect Family Meal
Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a great choice for families because they are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. The ingredients are simple, and the process is straightforward, making it an ideal meal for even beginner cooks. Additionally, since the meatballs can be made in large batches, it’s a meal that can easily feed a crowd or be saved for leftovers.
Children, in particular, love the combination of meatballs and the sweet and tangy sauce. It’s a fun dish that gets kids excited to sit down for dinner, and because it’s made from scratch, you can feel good knowing that you’re feeding your family something homemade and full of flavor.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a dish that’s bound to become a staple in your home. Their combination of tender meatballs and the irresistible sweet and tangy sauce will make them a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you’re making them for a casual dinner or serving them as a party appetizer, these meatballs will never disappoint. Not only are they easy to make and customizable, but they’re also incredibly satisfying and comforting, making them the perfect meal for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy this classic dish that’s sure to be a favorite for years to come.