There’s something irresistibly comforting about a dish that’s both savory and sweet—and these Sweet and Sour Meatballs deliver just that. Whether served over a bed of fluffy rice, spooned onto noodles, or enjoyed as a toothpick appetizer at a party, they always seem to steal the spotlight. With their sticky, shiny glaze and tender bite, they offer a perfect mix of nostalgia and satisfying flavor.
This recipe is a go-to for quick family dinners or last-minute get-togethers. You’ll use simple pantry staples to build bold flavors, creating a dish that looks fancy but comes together with minimal fuss. Best of all, it’s customizable: you can swap the protein, adjust the sweetness or tanginess, and sneak in extra veggies if you’re feeling virtuous.
Whether you’re prepping ahead for a weeknight meal or making a double batch to freeze for later, these meatballs are bound to be a repeat favorite. The sauce alone is worth keeping in your back pocket—it could easily work over chicken or stir-fried veggies too. Comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated, and this dish proves that with every bite.
📝 Ingredients (shuffled for freshness and flavor):
For the Meatballs:
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup dry bread crumbs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, onion, salt, and pepper until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep them tender. Form into 1½-inch balls and place them on a tray.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any extra fat if needed.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, water, soy sauce, and cornstarch until completely smooth.
3. Combine & Simmer:
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the meatballs. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats each meatball.
4. Serve It Up:
Serve warm over rice, noodles, or toothpicks for a crowd. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a little extra flair.
🥗 Nutrition & Dietary Notes:
These sweet and sour meatballs provide a hearty serving of protein from the ground beef and egg. The sauce is where most of the sugar and sodium come into play—so those monitoring their sugar or salt intake may want to adjust quantities or use reduced-sodium soy sauce. For a lighter version, lean ground turkey or chicken can be used. Gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari can make this dish more inclusive for those with dietary restrictions.
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