Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
If there’s ever been a dish that turns an ordinary weeknight into something fun and memorable, it’s Sweet and Sour Meatballs. Imagine juicy, tender bites of beef cloaked in a glossy, tangy sauce that somehow satisfies both your craving for comfort and a little zing. Whether you’re new to making meatballs or just looking to shake up the routine, this recipe delivers a vibrant burst of flavor while staying blissfully simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This delicious dish comes together with a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh basics. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the delightfully balanced taste and irresistible texture of Sweet and Sour Meatballs.
- Ground Beef: The hearty star of the show, giving meatballs robust flavor and classic chew.
- Breadcrumbs: These keep the meatballs light and tender while soaking up all those savory and sweet juices.
- Milk: Adds moisture to the mix, ensuring the meatballs are never dry.
- Egg: Binds everything together so your meatballs hold their perfect shape.
- Garlic: Just a touch of fresh garlic brings out a warm, inviting aroma.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors forward.
- Black Pepper: Adds a hint of depth without overpowering the sauce’s vibrancy.
- Vegetable Oil: For browning the meatballs, creating a gorgeous crust and juicy interior.
- Brown Sugar: This gives the signature sweetness in the sauce, perfectly balancing the tang.
- Ketchup: A surprisingly perfect base, contributing color and body to the sauce.
- White Vinegar: Provides the mouthwatering sour element that makes this dish pop.
- Soy Sauce: Adds an umami layer and rounds out the sauce with a savory note.
- Cornstarch + Water (Optional): Mix these together if you prefer a thicker, clingier sauce.
- Chopped Green Onions (Optional): A sprinkling at the end brightens up the finished dish with fresh color and a gentle bite.
How to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
Start by combining your ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Gently mix everything together—hands work best—just until incorporated. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so stop as soon as things look uniform. Then, roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. It’s easiest to use a small scoop or damp hands for even shapes and less sticking.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat the vegetable oil in a roomy skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to crowd the pan. Let each batch brown on all sides, turning them gently so they keep their round shape. This step locks in the juiciness and builds flavor, taking about 8 to 10 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and beautifully golden.
Step 3: Stir Together the Sweet and Sour Sauce
While the meatballs sizzle, quickly whisk up the brown sugar, ketchup, white vinegar, and soy sauce in a bowl. This mix is your ticket to that crave-worthy sweet and tangy glaze that makes Sweet and Sour Meatballs so irresistible. Keep it nearby, because things are about to get saucy!
Step 4: Simmer Everything Together
Pour your sauce mixture over the browned meatballs in the skillet. Turn the heat to a gentle simmer and let everything bubble together for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The meatballs absorb all the flavors while the sauce slightly thickens. If you love an extra creamy, sticky sauce, now’s the time to stir in the cornstarch slurry and give it another minute or two to bubble. Don’t forget to taste and adjust to your liking!
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Spoon your hot Sweet and Sour Meatballs onto a serving dish or plate them right from the skillet. Top with chopped green onions for a burst of color and freshness. Now, take a minute to admire their glossy coating—you’ll know they’re ready to wow your taste buds.
How to Serve Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Garnishes
A handful of chopped green onions adds a splash of green and a gentle onion flavor that’s perfect with the rich sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, a few toasted sesame seeds tossed on top are always welcome, too. Little things like these elevate not just the look, but the whole experience of Sweet and Sour Meatballs.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong with a fluffy bed of steamed white rice or buttery egg noodles for soaking up all that sweet and tangy sauce. For a lighter pairing, try serving Sweet and Sour Meatballs with sautéed snap peas, roasted broccoli, or even a crisp Asian-style slaw—the contrasts in texture and flavor are wonderful.
Creative Ways to Present
Change things up by tucking the meatballs into small slider buns for appetizers or serving them over toothpicks for a party-friendly snack. For a hearty dinner, pile Sweet and Sour Meatballs into bowls with your favorite rice and stir-fried veggies. They’re just as welcome at a casual potluck as they are at a cozy family dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Simply transfer any extra Sweet and Sour Meatballs (with plenty of sauce) into an airtight container. They’ll hold up well in the fridge for up to three days, making lunch the next day a definite treat.
Freezing
If you’d like to prep ahead, freeze cooked and cooled meatballs and sauce together in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months. When craving hits, just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for a speedy reheat.
Reheating
The best way to bring Sweet and Sour Meatballs back to life is to gently warm them in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems thick. You can microwave them in short bursts as well, just be sure to stir frequently for even heat throughout.
FAQs
Do I have to use ground beef, or can I substitute another protein?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or even pork work beautifully here. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the meat you choose—always make sure your meatballs are fully cooked before adding the sauce.
Can I make Sweet and Sour Meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free version and double-check that your soy sauce is certified gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients should already be safe, and you’ll hardly taste the difference.
How can I make the sauce a bit spicier?
If you like a little kick, a squirt of sriracha, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even a spoonful of chili garlic sauce can be stirred right into the sauce. Adjust to your preferred level of heat for spicy-sweet perfection!
Can I use store-bought meatballs to save time?
No shame in shortcuts—if you’re in a hurry, precooked frozen meatballs can definitely step in. Just warm them through in the sauce for about 10–15 minutes so they can soak up those irresistible sweet and sour flavors.
Is it possible to double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe scales up beautifully—just use a larger skillet, or cook the meatballs and sauce in batches. Sweet and Sour Meatballs are always a hit at parties, so doubling up is a smart move.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying these Sweet and Sour Meatballs enough—whether you’re making them for a comforting midweek dinner or to impress friends at your next gathering. They’re easy, mouthwatering, and guaranteed to have everyone reaching for seconds. Give them a go and watch them disappear!
Print
Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These delicious sweet and sour meatballs are a perfect balance of flavors, with a tangy sauce coating tender meatballs. Serve them over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the sauce:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and cook meatballs until browned and cooked through.
- Make the sauce: Whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and soy sauce. Pour over meatballs and simmer until thickened.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- These meatballs are perfect over rice or noodles.
- You can make them ahead and reheat in the sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5–6 meatballs
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
