Meat Balls In Sweet And Sour Sauce
Sweet and sour meatballs with pineapple, green peppers, and a tangy sauce, perfect for a flavorful and crowd-pleasing meal with a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine pineapple syrup with chicken broth, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, catsup, and cornstarch in a pot.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Add meatballs, sliced green onions, and green peppers to the sauce.
- Simmer everything together for 30 to 40 minutes, until heated through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of cornstarch or reduce the chicken broth slightly. If you want to add more vegetables, bell peppers or carrots work well in this dish. For a twist, consider using chicken or turkey meatballs instead of traditional beef. This recipe is versatile and can easily accommodate your favorite proteins or veggies, making it a great addition to your collection of Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sweet and sour meatballs over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Marie'S Chicken Fried Rice, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Additionally, you can garnish with extra sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. This dish makes for a great party appetizer or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave portions on medium heat, covered, until warm. If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Balls In Sweet And Sour Sauce contains roughly 319 calories, with 2g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1405mg per serving (61% 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 use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, frozen meatballs can be used for convenience. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the sauce. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they heat through completely, but they will absorb the sweet and sour flavors beautifully.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
You can substitute brown sugar with an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a teaspoon of molasses for a similar flavor. Alternatively, honey or maple syrup can also work, though they may alter the sweetness slightly. Adjust to taste, as these alternatives can vary in sweetness levels.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your sweet and sour meatballs, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture. You can also add sliced jalapeños or some Sriracha to the meatballs for an extra kick. Adjust the amount to your spice preference to achieve the desired level of heat.
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).