Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Name: Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 Servings
Ingredients: 2 slices white bread; ¼ cup milk; 1 pound ground beef (80/20 chuck); 1 onion, peeled and grated; 1 egg, well-beaten; salt and pepper; 2 tablespoons canola oil; 1 onion, peeled and sliced thinly; ½ red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks; ½ green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks; 1 cup pineapple chunks; 1 cup pineapple juice (reserved from the canned pineapples); ½ cup rice vinegar; ¼ cup ketchup; ½ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup water; 2 teaspoons cornstarch

User Reviews

5.0

3 reviews

Excellent

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Chill
30 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings
6 Servings
Calories
424 kcal
Course
Main Course
Cuisine
Asian

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Gemma Fleming

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Sweet Sour Meatballs are easy to make and a great freezer meal. Smothered in a sweet and tangy sauce, bell peppers, and juicy pineapples, these homemade meatballs are delicious with steamed rice or noodles and sure to be a family favorite.

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Ingredients

Servings

2 slices white bread
¼ cup milk
1 pound ground beef (80/20 chuck)
1 onion, peeled and grated
1 egg, well-beaten
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 onion, peeled and sliced thinly
½ red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks
½ green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 cup pineapple chunks
1 cup pineapple juice (reserved from the canned pineapples)
½ cup rice vinegar
¼ cup ketchup
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup water
2 teaspoons cornstarch

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Instructions

In a small bowl, soak bread in milk. Tear with your hands until it resembles a soft paste.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, soaked bread, grated onions, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Gently mix until combined.
Using a small scoop, portion about 1 tablespoon of meat mixture and roll between palms of hands into a 1-inch diameter ball.
Arrange meatballs in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 10 to 15 minutes or until firm.
In a bowl, combine pineapple juice, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir until well-blended and set aside.
In a wide pan over medium heat, heat about 1 tablespoon canola oil. Add bell peppers and cook for about 30 to 40 seconds. Remove from pan and keep warm.
In the pan, add another 1 tablespoon oil if needed. Add meatballs in a single layer and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side or just until lightly browned. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels. Keep warm.
Remove excess oil from the pan except for about 1 tablespoon. Add onions and cook until softened.
Add sweet and sauce mixture and bring to a boil.
Add browned meatballs in a single layer. Lower heat, cover, and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes or until meatballs are fully cooked.
In a bowl, combine ¼ cup water and cornstarch and stir until smooth. Add to the pan, whisking to prevent lumps.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes or until thickened.
Add bell peppers and pineapple chunks.
Continue to cook for about 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through. Serve hot.

Notes

Use fresh breadcrumbs and soak in milk or broth. This soaked bread, called panade, adds moisture to the meat mixture for lighter and more tender meatballs.
Do not overhandle the meat mixture to keep the meatballs from becoming tough and rubbery. Combine the ingredients until well incorporated but do not over-mix.
Use a small cookie scoop to portion meatballs for a more uniform size. Rinse hands with cold water between shaping to keep the meat from sticking.
Freeze the meatballs until firm to help maintain their shape and keep them from falling apart during frying.
Choose pineapple chunks packed in juice and not heavy syrup, as the packing liquid will be used to make the sweet and sour sauce.

Nutrition Information

Show Details

Calories 424kcal (21%) Carbohydrates 42g (14%) Protein 16g (32%) Fat 21g (32%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 10g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 82mg (27%) Sodium 207mg (9%) Potassium 485mg (14%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 33g (66%) Vitamin A 477IU (10%) Vitamin C 31mg (34%) Calcium 91mg (9%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 424 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories	424kcal	21%
Carbohydrates	42g	14%
Protein	16g	32%
Fat	21g	32%
Saturated Fat	7g	35%
Polyunsaturated Fat	2g	12%
Monounsaturated Fat	10g	50%
Trans Fat	1g	50%
Cholesterol	82mg	27%
Sodium	207mg	9%
Potassium	485mg	10%
Fiber	2g	8%
Sugar	33g	66%
Vitamin A	477IU	10%
Vitamin C	31mg	34%
Calcium	91mg	9%
Iron	2mg	11%