Meatballs Sweet And Sour
Sweet and sour meatballs with pineapple and vegetables, featuring a tangy glaze that appeals to family gatherings and casual dinners alike.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 c oil ⓘ
- 9 slices pineapple ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c chicken bouillon ⓘ
- 3 diced green peppers ⓘ
- 1 small can bamboo shoots ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp monosodium glutamate
- 3/4 c pineapple juice ⓘ
- 3/4 c sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp ginger ⓘ
- 3/4 c vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine eggs, flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Dip walnut-sized meatballs into the mixture and brown in a skillet with hot oil.
- Remove meatballs and keep warm.
- Pour out all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the skillet.
- Add diced pineapple to the skillet.
- Cover and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils and thickens.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet.
- Simmer for 15 minutes until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. If you want to add more flavor, experiment with adding minced garlic or chopped onions to the meatball mixture. If you run out of cornstarch, you can use flour as a thickening agent. When frying the meatballs, ensure the oil is hot enough to achieve a nice brown crust without absorbing too much oil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sweet and sour meatballs over a bed of steamed rice or alongside Vegetable Lo Mein for a complete meal. They also pair well with stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad. For a fun presentation, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. These meatballs can also be served as appetizers at a party.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying out. Cover the skillet to heat evenly and retain moisture. You can also microwave them, but be sure to cover them to trap steam.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatballs Sweet And Sour contains roughly 1423 calories, with 14g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 124g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value) and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, you can cook them and freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when ready to serve.
What can I substitute for chicken bouillon?
If you don't have chicken bouillon, you can use vegetable broth or homemade stock as a substitute. This will still provide a nice depth of flavor. For a gluten-free option, ensure that your broth is gluten-free.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting ground beef with a meat alternative like lentils or plant-based ground meat. Adjust the cooking times accordingly, and ensure the other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
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).