🍽️ Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
🕒 Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 25–30 mins
🍴 Serves: 4–6
📝 Ingredients:
✅ For the Meatballs:
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1 lb (450g) ground beef (or pork/turkey/chicken)
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1/4 cup breadcrumbs
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1 egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp onion, finely grated or minced
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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Salt & pepper to taste
✅ For the Sauce:
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1/2 cup ketchup
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1/3 cup rice vinegar or white vinegar
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1/3 cup brown sugar
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry to thicken)
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Optional: 1 tbsp pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
✅ Add-ins:
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1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
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1–2 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), chopped
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1/2 onion, chopped
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Sesame seeds and green onions (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1️⃣ Make the Meatballs:
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In a bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix until just combined — don’t overwork.
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Roll into 1-inch balls.
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Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes
OR pan-fry in a bit of oil until browned and cooked through.
2️⃣ Make the Sauce:
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In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice (if using).
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Heat a large pan or wok over medium heat.
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Add a splash of oil, sauté bell peppers and onions for 2–3 minutes until just tender.
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Stir in sauce and bring to a simmer.
3️⃣ Thicken the Sauce:
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Once bubbling, stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water).
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Simmer for 1–2 minutes until thick and glossy.
4️⃣ Combine:
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Add cooked meatballs and pineapple chunks to the sauce.
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Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
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Simmer for a few more minutes to warm through.
5️⃣ Serve:
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Over white rice, fried rice, or noodles
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Garnish with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime.
🌟 Variations:
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Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or a splash of sriracha
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Use chicken or turkey for a lighter version
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Try cauliflower or tofu for a vegetarian twist
Would you like a slow cooker version, or to make them ahead and freeze?