Sweet & Sour Hawaiian Meatballs
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Recipe Category: Pineapple
Servings: 6
Description
This Sweet & Sour Hawaiian Meatball recipe brings a delightful tropical twist to classic meatballs, combining the zesty flavors of pineapple and green peppers with a tangy vinegar and sugar sauce. Perfectly sweet and savory, these meatballs are not only flavorful but also simple to make, making them ideal for family meals or as a tasty party dish. Whether you’re craving something a little different or simply love the combination of pineapple and peppers, these Hawaiian-inspired meatballs will surely become a favorite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 1/2 pounds |
| Evaporated milk | 2/3 cup |
| Seasoning salt | 2/3 teaspoon |
| Flour | 1 cup |
| Shortening | 1/3 cup |
| Pineapple chunks | 3 cups |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
| Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon juice | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Brown sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Green pepper | 1, chopped |
| Pimientos | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 560.3 kcal |
| Fat Content | 26g |
| Saturated Fat | 9.6g |
| Cholesterol Content | 85.2mg |
| Sodium Content | 284.4mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 55g |
| Fiber Content | 1.8g |
| Sugar Content | 28.2g |
| Protein Content | 25.9g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, evaporated milk, seasoning salt, and flour. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine the ingredients. Be careful not to overwork the mixture to ensure the meatballs are tender.
-
Shape the Meatballs:
- Shape the beef mixture into approximately 36 small meatballs. You can freeze the meatballs at this point for future use—simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and thaw as needed.
-
Brown the Meatballs:
- Roll each meatball in a light dusting of flour. In a large skillet, heat the shortening over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning them gently to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. Once browned, transfer them to a casserole dish.
-
Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- Drain the pineapple, reserving both the pineapple chunks and the juice. Set the pineapple aside. In a medium saucepan, combine the reserved pineapple juice with enough water to make 1 cup of liquid.
- Over medium heat, whisk the cornstarch into the juice mixture until smooth. Gradually add in the vinegar, lemon juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken and becomes clear, about 3-5 minutes.
-
Finish the Sauce:
- Add the pineapple chunks, chopped green pepper, and pimentos to the sauce. Stir to combine, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to warm through and blend the flavors.
-
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over the browned meatballs in the casserole dish, ensuring they are well coated. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and tender.
-
Serve:
- Once done, remove the meatballs from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. These sweet and sour Hawaiian meatballs pair beautifully with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success:
- Meatball Texture: For a softer texture, be sure not to overmix the meatball mixture. The key is to combine the ingredients gently.
- Make Ahead: These meatballs freeze well, so you can make a larger batch and store them for later. Simply freeze the meatballs before baking, then thaw and bake as needed.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap out the green pepper for other vegetables like red pepper, onion, or even carrots to add more color and flavor to the dish.
Enjoy this flavorful Sweet & Sour Hawaiian Meatball dish that brings a touch of the tropics right to your table! The perfect balance of savory, sweet, and sour makes it an unforgettable meal that everyone will love.
