Spicy Meat Balls In Sweet And Sour Sauce
Spicy meatballs in sweet and sour sauce combine savory flavors with a hint of spice, making them perfect for entertaining or family dinners with bold taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef and pork, then process in a food processor with a steel blade until the meat is smooth.
- Combine the processed meat, milk, bread crumbs, salt, ginger, allspice, and white pepper in a large bowl.
- Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Form the mixture into meatballs of desired size.
- In a skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add minced onions and cook until translucent.
- Cook the meatballs in the skillet until browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Prepare sweet and sour sauce and serve it over the cooked meatballs.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil. If you're out of ground pork, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Be sure to use high-quality breadcrumbs to achieve the best texture. To enhance the sweetness of the dish, a teaspoon of brown sugar can be added to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These spicy meatballs pair beautifully with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the sweet and sour sauce. Consider serving them with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a colorful plate. For a fun twist, try them as a filling for sliders or as an appetizer at your next gathering. Browse more American recipes for delicious side options.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Meat Balls In Sweet And Sour Sauce contains roughly 947 calories, with 38g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (76% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2110mg per serving (92% 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 refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to develop further. Alternatively, you can freeze uncooked meatballs and cook them directly from frozen—just increase the cooking time slightly.
What can I use instead of whole wheat bread crumbs?
If you don't have whole wheat bread crumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even rolled oats as a substitute. Just ensure that the texture is fine enough to bind the meat mixture without affecting the overall consistency.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the meatballs?
To adjust the spiciness, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture according to your preference. Alternatively, serve the meatballs with a side of hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick.
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).