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Sweet and Sour Meatballs


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 4-6 servings (depending on serving size) 1x

Description

  • These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors. Tender meatballs coated in a luscious sweet and sour sauce make for a delicious appetizer, party dish, or even a main course. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Serve with rice or enjoy on their own! #SweetAndSourMeatballs #Appetizer #PartyFood #MeatballRecipe #EasyDinner #ComfortFood #TangyAndSweet

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Meatballs:

    • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)

    • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

    • 1 large egg

    • 2 cloves garlic, minced

    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

    For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

    • 1/2 cup ketchup

    • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

    • 1/4 cup brown sugar

    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)

    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

    • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

    • 1/4 cup water (or more if you prefer a thinner sauce)


Instructions

  1. Make the Meatballs:

    • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and parsley.

    • Mix until everything is well combined.

    • Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs, depending on size.

  2. Cook the Meatballs:

    • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

    • Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, until browned and cooked through. You can also bake the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes if you prefer an oven-baked method.

  3. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

    • In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, and ground ginger.

    • Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly (about 5-7 minutes).

    • If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.

  4. Coat the Meatballs:

    • Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the skillet (or oven) and transfer them to a serving dish.

    • Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the meatballs and toss gently to coat them evenly.

  5. Serve:

    • Serve the Sweet and Sour Meatballs immediately, either as an appetizer or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. You can garnish with extra chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

  1. These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

  2. For a twist, you can add pineapple chunks to the sauce for extra sweetness and a tropical flavor.

  3. If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a dash of chili flakes or a little sriracha to the sweet and sour sauce.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Main Dish, Comfort Food
  • Method: Stovetop (for cooking meatballs), Saucepan (for making the sauce)
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4-5 meatballs)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg