Sweet and Sour Plum Meatballs Recipe
This Sweet and Sour Plum Meatballs recipe has been a family favorite, especially when made ahead. One morning, I whipped up these savory and sweet meatballs to prepare an easy dinner for the family, but due to an unexpected dinner outing (thanks, Mom!), they ended up spending the night in the refrigerator. When we finally sat down to enjoy them, the meatballs had marinated in their tangy, flavorful sauce and tasted even better than expected. This recipe proves that sometimes, the best dishes are the ones that sit and meld together overnight, making them ideal for meal prep or a make-ahead weeknight dinner.
Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Recipe Category: One-Dish Meal
Keywords: Meat, Chinese, Asian, Toddler-Friendly, Kid-Friendly, Savory, Sweet, Easy, Inexpensive, <30 Minutes
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make these delightful meatballs:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 ½ lbs |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Pepper | ½ tsp |
| Garlic Powder | 1 tsp |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Honey | 1 tbsp |
| Ketchup | 1 tbsp |
| Plum Jam | ¼ cup |
| Sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Red Pepper Flakes | 3 pinches |
| Ground Ginger | ½ tsp |
| Garlic Powder (for sauce) | ½ tsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 477.7 kcal |
| Fat Content | 25.6 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 10 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 115.7 mg |
| Sodium Content | 991.3 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 28.7 g |
| Fiber Content | 0.5 g |
| Sugar Content | 22.9 g |
| Protein Content | 32.3 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Meatballs: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and ketchup. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
-
Form the Meatballs: Take small portions of the meat mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls, then place them on a plate or a tray. Set aside.
-
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the plum jam, sugar, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, and garlic powder. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and everything is well combined.
-
Cook the Meatballs: Heat a wok or a large saucepan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. Once hot, add the meatballs to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to brown them on all sides. Continue to cook until they are fully cooked through and have a rich, golden-brown exterior.
-
Add the Sauce: Once the meatballs are browned, pour the prepared sauce over them. Stir to ensure the meatballs are coated evenly with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let them simmer for about 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly.
-
Serve: Serve the meatballs immediately over a bed of steamed rice or in a bowl for a perfect one-dish meal. If you’re making this ahead, simply cover the dish and refrigerate until needed. When ready to eat, you can either reheat them in the microwave or on the stove for a few minutes until warm.
Tips for Best Results:
-
Let Them Marinate: If you have the time, allow the meatballs to sit in the sauce for a few hours (or overnight) before cooking. The flavors will intensify and create an even more delicious dish.
-
Freezing Option: These meatballs freeze well, making them perfect for meal prep. To freeze, cook the meatballs as instructed, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them on the stove with a bit of extra sauce.
-
Adjust Spice Levels: The red pepper flakes add a nice kick, but feel free to adjust the amount depending on your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the red pepper or omit it altogether.
-
Serving Suggestions: For a complete meal, serve the meatballs with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad. You can also pair them with some crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
These Sweet and Sour Plum Meatballs are the epitome of a simple yet flavorful dish. The savory ground beef paired with the sweet, tangy plum sauce creates a beautiful balance of flavors. Plus, with minimal prep time and cooking, it’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions. The versatility of this dish means it’s not only perfect for family dinners but also makes for a great party appetizer when served as bite-sized meatballs on toothpicks.
This recipe is:
- Kid-Friendly & Toddler-Friendly: The sweet and savory flavor profile is perfect for young taste buds, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
- Quick & Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and another 10 minutes of cooking, this dish can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prep, these meatballs can be made in advance and stored for later use.
If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner that’s both savory and sweet, these Sweet and Sour Plum Meatballs will surely become a favorite in your home!
