Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a delightful dish that balances savory meatballs with a tangy, slightly sweet sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Here’s a detailed exploration of this recipe:
Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 5
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
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Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
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Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the water, vinegar, ketchup, cornstarch, brown sugar, and soy sauce until smooth.
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Combine and Simmer:
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce into the skillet used to cook the meatballs. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Reduce the heat to low and return the meatballs to the skillet. Coat the meatballs with the sauce.
- Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
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Serve:
- Once the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are heated through, remove from heat.
- Serve the sweet and sour meatballs hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 514.3 kcal
- Total Fat: 15.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.9 g
- Cholesterol: 104 mg
- Sodium: 921.1 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.4 g
- Sugars: 50.3 g
- Protein: 22.4 g
Recipe Notes:
- Variations: You can add diced bell peppers, pineapple chunks, or even sliced carrots to the sauce for added flavor and texture.
- Storage: Leftover sweet and sour meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
This Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also a family-friendly favorite that combines savory meat with a tangy sauce that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Enjoy this dish as a main course served over rice or noodles, or as a delicious appetizer for parties and gatherings.
