Sweet And Sour Meatball Bake
A flavorful sweet and sour meatball bake featuring tender pork meatballs simmered in a tangy sauce with vegetables and served over rice, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp wheat germ ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 12 oz lean pork ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots, julienned ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp ginger root, grated ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, wedges ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, cut into 1-inch squares ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups apple juice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tsp brown sugar ⓘ
- 4 tsp cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine egg, wheat germ, soy sauce, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add pork and mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Shape the mixture into 24 meatballs.
- Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium.
- Add meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Drain cooked meatballs on paper towels.
- In a separate saucepan, combine apple juice, vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens.
- Add cooked meatballs and vegetables (carrots, onion, green pepper) to the sauce.
- Simmer until vegetables are tender and flavors meld, about 5-10 minutes.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For even more flavor, consider adding finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the meatball mixture. If you don't have wheat germ, breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute. To make this dish spicier, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce. Ensure the meatballs are evenly browned by turning them frequently during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs over a bed of cooked rice for a hearty meal. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli or a simple green salad to balance the flavors. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a tangy coleslaw or roasted vegetables, which complement the sweetness of the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Sweet And Sour Meatball Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Meatball Bake contains roughly 895 calories, with 30g protein, 171g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (88% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 634mg per serving (28% 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 a different type of meat for the meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute the lean pork with ground turkey, chicken, or even beef if you prefer. Each option will bring a slightly different flavor profile, so choose according to your taste preference.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, replace soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Additionally, ensure that the wheat germ is certified gluten-free or use ground oats or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead.
What can I do with leftover apple juice?
Leftover apple juice can be used in various ways! Consider adding it to smoothies, using it to marinate chicken, or incorporating it into a salad dressing for a sweet twist. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for future use in drinks.
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).