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
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For the Meatballs:
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
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1/4 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 large egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
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1/2 cup ketchup
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1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/4 cup water (or more if you prefer a thinner sauce)
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Instructions
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Make the Meatballs:
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In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and parsley.
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Mix until everything is well combined.
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Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs, depending on size.
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Cook the Meatballs:
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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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.
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Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
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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.
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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).
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If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
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Coat the Meatballs:
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Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the skillet (or oven) and transfer them to a serving dish.
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Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the meatballs and toss gently to coat them evenly.
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Serve:
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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.
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Notes
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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.
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For a twist, you can add pineapple chunks to the sauce for extra sweetness and a tropical flavor.
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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