Sweet and Sour Meatballs: The Perfect Tangy-Savory Bite You Didn’t Know You Needed
These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors, coated in a glossy, sticky sauce that’s delicious over rice or served as a party appetizer.
- Author: Zerina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking & Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water.
- Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5–10 minutes until well coated.
- Serve hot over rice or with toothpicks for appetizers.
Notes
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef.
- Add pineapple chunks and bell peppers for a tropical twist.
- Great for meal prep—freezes well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Sweet and Sour Meatballs, Party Meatballs, Tangy Meatballs, Easy Meatball Recipe, Asian Meatballs