Sweet & Sour Meatballs are a delightful blend of flavors that will bring joy to your dinner table. This easy recipe showcases tender meatballs, vibrant vegetables, and a tangy sweet and sour sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family gatherings. Best of all, it’s highly customizable, allowing you to swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 600mg
Why Make Sweet & Sour Meatballs
Sweet & Sour Meatballs offer a wonderful balance of flavors that everyone loves. The combination of meat, vegetables, and a tropical touch from pineapple creates a nutritious meal. This dish is not only satisfying but also flexible, making it simple to incorporate seasonal veggies or your family’s preferences. You can easily adjust the ingredients, ensuring a healthy option that still delivers great taste.
How to Make Sweet & Sour Meatballs Step by Step
Ingredients
2 tbsp vegetable oil
500g (1 lb) pre-made mini meatballs
1 onion, sliced
1 capsicum (bell pepper), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup diced fresh pineapple
4 spring onions (scallions), trimmed, green and white parts cut into 3cm batons
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 tbsp white vinegar
Steamed rice, to serve
Directions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the pre-made mini meatballs and cook until heated through.
- Add the sliced onion, capsicum, and pineapple, cooking until the vegetables are tender.
- In a bowl, mix the brown sugar and white vinegar to create the sweet & sour sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs and vegetables, stirring to combine.
- Cook for a few more minutes until everything is coated in the sauce.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, garnished with spring onions.
How to Serve Sweet & Sour Meatballs
Sweet & Sour Meatballs can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them over a bed of fluffy steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce, or alongside a fresh green salad for a crunchy contrast. For a heartier meal, try pairing them with fried rice or noodles. These meatballs also make fabulous filling for wraps or sliders for a tasty twist.
How to Store Sweet & Sour Meatballs
To store your Sweet & Sour Meatballs, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Expert Tips for Cooking Sweet & Sour Meatballs
- For an extra layer of flavor, add a few cloves of minced garlic while cooking the vegetables.
- Experiment with using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meatball option.
- If you like a kick of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or serve with sriracha on the side.
- Make your own mini meatballs using beef or turkey for a fresher taste.
- Serve with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added crunch.
Delicious Variations of Sweet & Sour Meatballs
- Spicy Meatballs: Incorporate chopped jalapeños or diced habanero peppers into the mix for a spicy twist on the classic dish.
- Herbed Meatballs: Add chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to the meatball mix to enhance the flavor.
- Citrus Variation: Swap pineapple for orange segments and use orange juice instead of vinegar for a refreshing citrus spin.
Sweet & Sour Meatballs are a flavorful dish that invites you to get creative in the kitchen. Their delicious taste and ease of preparation make them a fantastic option for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or needing a quick family meal, give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful blend of sweet and savory in every bite!
Sweet & Sour Meatballs
Ingredients
Meatballs and Vegetables
- 500 g 500g (1 lb) pre-made mini meatballs Pre-made mini meatballs for convenience.
- 1 tbsp 2 tbsp vegetable oil For cooking.
- 1 medium 1 onion, sliced
- 1 medium 1 capsicum (bell pepper), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
- 4 pieces 4 spring onions (scallions), trimmed, green and white parts cut into 3cm batons For garnish and flavor.
Sweet & Sour Sauce
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup brown sugar Adjust sweetness to preference.
- 3 tbsp 3 tbsp white vinegar
To Serve
- Steamed rice, to serve Serve hot over steamed rice.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the pre-made mini meatballs and cook until heated through.
- Add the sliced onion, capsicum, and pineapple, cooking until the vegetables are tender.
- In a bowl, mix the brown sugar and white vinegar to create the sweet & sour sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs and vegetables, stirring to combine.
- Cook for a few more minutes until everything is coated in the sauce.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, garnished with spring onions.
