Suzie'S Sweet And Sour Meatballs
Sweet and sour meatballs with a tangy pineapple glaze, combining savory flavors and vibrant peppers, perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground round, egg, cornstarch, salt, minced onion, and sliced green peppers in a bowl. Form into small meatballs.
- In a skillet, brown the meatballs with 1 teaspoon of oil until evenly cooked and browned. Drain excess oil and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, vinegar, sugar, water, soy sauce, and cornstarch to make the sauce. Cook over medium heat until thickened.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for a few minutes to coat them evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your meatballs are tender, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you want a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a vegetarian alternative, use plant-based ground meat and adjust the sauce ingredients accordingly. Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sweet and sour meatballs over steamed rice or alongside Vegetable Fried Rice for a delicious meal. They also pair well with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the flavors. For added texture, serve with crispy wontons or fried dumplings as an appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep the sauce moist. You can also microwave them, covered, in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Suzie'S Sweet And Sour Meatballs contains roughly 639 calories, with 34g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (209% of the Daily Value), protein (69% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1888mg per serving (82% 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 the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. For longer storage, freeze them uncooked. Just remember to thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of pineapple juice?
If you don't have pineapple juice, you can substitute it with orange juice or a mix of apple juice and a splash of vinegar for acidity. This will alter the flavor slightly but still provide a sweet and tangy sauce.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too thin?
If your sauce is thinner than desired, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce while cooking over medium heat until it reaches your desired thickness.
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).