This Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe combines tender, juicy meatballs with a tangy and flavorful pineapple-based sauce that’s perfect over rice or noodles. The balance of sweetness from the brown sugar and pineapple juice with the tanginess of vinegar and ketchup makes this dish a favorite for all ages. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch and serve warm for a comforting, savory-sweet meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Balanced Flavors: The combination of pineapple juice, brown sugar, and vinegar creates a deliciously tangy sauce that perfectly complements the savory meatballs.
Easy and Versatile: These meatballs can be served over rice, with noodles, or even as a party appetizer.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of sweet and savory flavors.
Great for Meal Prep: This dish keeps well in the fridge and is perfect for next-day leftovers.

Key Ingredients:

Each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s how to get the most out of them:

Ground Meat: Ground beef, pork, or a mix of the two works well in this recipe. Pork tends to add a bit more moisture and flavor, but beef is a classic choice if you prefer a leaner option.
Breadcrumbs and Milk: These help to bind the meatballs and keep them tender. Panko breadcrumbs add extra texture, but regular breadcrumbs work just as well.
Pineapple Juice: The key to the sweet and sour flavor, pineapple juice adds natural sweetness and a tropical twist. Fresh juice is best, but canned works just fine.
Brown Sugar: For the sauce, brown sugar adds depth and a hint of molasses. You can adjust the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
Vinegar: Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar provides the tang. Rice vinegar is milder, while apple cider vinegar adds a bit more acidity, so choose based on your preference.
Cornstarch Slurry: This thickens the sauce, making it glossy and rich. Always mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot sauce to avoid lumps.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

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Instructions:

Prepare the Meatballs

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together:
1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Mix Well: Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything until well mixed but not overworked.
Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, ensuring they’re uniform in size for even cooking.

Cook the Meatballs

Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium-high heat.
Cook Meatballs in Batches: Add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, avoiding overcrowding.
Brown on All Sides: Cook each batch for about 5-7 minutes, rotating to brown on all sides until they’re cooked through.
Set Aside: Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Make the Sauce

Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan:
1 cup pineapple juice
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Gradually stir this into the simmering sauce, whisking continuously until it thickens.

Combine and Serve

Add Meatballs to the Sauce: Add the browned meatballs to the saucepan, stirring gently to coat each one in the sauce.
Simmer Together: Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Serve: Serve the sweet and sour meatballs over rice or noodles, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired for an extra touch.

Serving Suggestions:

These sweet and sour meatballs are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides:

Rice: Serve over fluffy white rice or fried rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Noodles: Pair with Asian-style noodles or spaghetti for a fun twist.
Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas complements the sweet and tangy sauce nicely.
Appetizer Style: For parties or gatherings, serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks as a finger food. They’re perfect for potlucks!

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:

These meatballs store well, so they’re ideal for leftovers or make-ahead meals.

Refrigeration: Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs in the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day ahead and refrigerate separately. When ready to serve, warm up the sauce, add the meatballs, and simmer until hot.

Recipe Variations:

This sweet and sour meatball recipe is easy to customize to fit your tastes or dietary needs.

Chicken or Turkey Meatballs: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for a leaner version.
Add Bell Peppers and Pineapple Chunks: For more flavor and color, add diced bell peppers and pineapple chunks to the sauce when you add the meatballs. These will cook down and add a sweet, juicy texture.
Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce alternative) to make this recipe gluten-free.

Conclusion:

Sweet and sour meatballs are a delicious twist on classic comfort food with a bright, tangy flavor that’s sure to please. Whether served over rice for dinner or on a platter as an appetizer, these meatballs are always a hit. Easy to prepare and adaptable to different tastes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. So gather your ingredients and enjoy a little taste of sweet, savory, and tangy bliss in every bite!