Island Sweet And Sour Meatballs
Sweet and tangy meatballs with pineapple and barbecue sauce, perfect for a flavorful family dinner or entertaining guests with tropical flair.
Ingredients
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. milk ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 c. soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. shortening
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 c. green pepper strips ⓘ
- 1/2 c. bottled barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef-textured vegetable protein mixture ⓘ
- 1 (8 1/4 oz.) can pineapple tidbits ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can whole cranberry sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- hot cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix egg, bread crumbs, chopped onions, milk, and salt in a bowl.
- Add ground beef-textured vegetable protein mixture and combine thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Place meatballs with shortening in a skillet and brown in a 450°F oven.
- Drain off excess fat from the skillet after browning.
- Drain pineapple tidbits, reserving the syrup.
- Add water to the syrup to make 3/4 cup.
- Combine pineapple, cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, and the prepared syrup mixture in a saucepan.
- Simmer until heated through and flavors meld.
- Serve meatballs over hot cooked rice topped with the sweet and sour sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef-textured vegetable protein mixture. If you don’t have cornstarch, flour can be used as a thickener. For extra flavor, try adding minced garlic or ginger to the meat mixture. To ensure even cooking, make sure the meatballs are uniform in size. You may also want to bake them instead of frying for a healthier option.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet and sour meatballs are delicious served over hot cooked rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully. For a complete meal, consider pairing them with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. They also make a great appetizer for gatherings. For more hearty options, try serving alongside a dish like Escalloped Potatoes Supreme.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Island Sweet And Sour Meatballs contains roughly 1234 calories, with 31g protein, 224g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (62% of the Daily Value), iron (51% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2269mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs either before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, shape them, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. If freezing after cooking, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be reheated directly from frozen.
What can I use instead of bottled barbecue sauce?
If you prefer homemade flavors, you can create your own barbecue sauce using ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices. This allows you to control the sweetness and heat levels according to your taste. Alternatively, teriyaki sauce can provide a different but complementary flavor profile.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make the recipe vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef-textured vegetable protein mixture with a plant-based meat alternative or use lentils or chopped mushrooms for texture. Adjust the sauce ingredients to ensure they are vegetarian-friendly, and you'll have a delicious meatless version of this dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).