In the realm of comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying and universally adored as meatballs. They’re versatile, easy to make, and can be paired with a myriad of sauces to suit any palate. Today, we’re sharing a recipe that takes these beloved morsels and gives them a tangy, sweet twist: Sweet and Sour Meatballs. This recipe combines the savory goodness of meatballs with the zesty flavors of a classic sweet and sour sauce, enhanced with chunks of pineapple for an added burst of sweetness. Perfect for a quick dinner or as a crowd-pleasing party dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the details.
Ingredients
Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe serves 6 and is perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, loosely packed
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 and 1/4 cups pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 25 all-purpose meatballs (frozen is fine)
- 2 bell peppers, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup drained small pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions for garnish
- Rice for serving
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine the brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and 2 cups of pineapple juice. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the remaining ¼ cup of pineapple juice until there are no lumps. Add this mixture to your skillet, whisking continuously to incorporate it into the sauce.
- Cook the Meatballs: To the skillet, add the meatballs and the chopped bell peppers (if using). Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and let cook for 8-10 minutes. The goal is for the sauce to thicken and the meatballs to heat through completely.
- Final Touches: Once the meatballs are cooked, stir in the pineapple chunks, ensuring they’re warmed through in the sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon your delicious sweet and sour meatballs over a bed of rice, making sure to ladle plenty of that tangy sauce over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutritional Information
For those interested in the nutritional aspect, this meal is relatively light, with an estimated 325 kcal per serving. It strikes a nice balance between being a hearty meal and not too heavy on calories.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
This Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious, home-cooked meals don’t have to take hours to prepare. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or just want to treat your family to something special on a weeknight, this dish is sure to delight. The combination of savory meatballs, tangy sauce, and sweet pineapple creates a symphony of flavors that dance together in perfect harmony. Serve this dish over rice for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy. Enjoy!
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Ingredients:
1/2 cup brown sugar, loosely packed
1/2 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 and 1/4 cups pineapple juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
25 all-purpose meatballs (frozen is fine)
2 bell peppers, chopped (optional)
1 cup drained small pineapple chunks
2 tablespoons sliced green onions for garnish
Rice for serving
Directions:
Add brown sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and 2 cups of pineapple juice to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with the remaining ¼ cup pineapple juice, whisking to remove all lumps. Whisk into your skillet.
Add meatballs and chopped peppers. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are heated through.
Stir in pineapple chunks. Serve warm over rice. Top with green onion.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 325 kcal | Servings: 6