These tangy sweet and sour meatballs are perfect for an appetizer or a main course. They are flavorful, juicy, and coated in a delicious homemade sweet and sour sauce.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional for extra tanginess)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup diced pineapple (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Alternatively, you can cook the meatballs in a large skillet over medium heat until they are browned and cooked through.
- Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- If desired, add the diced pineapple and bell peppers to the sauce and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked meatballs to the saucepan with the sweet and sour sauce, gently stirring to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the tangy sweet and sour meatballs hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Tangy Sweet and Sour Meatballs!