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Homemade Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe photo

Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a flavor explosion! Juicy meatballs in a tangy sauce, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:
  • 2 pounds ground beef (85/15)
  • 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk full-fat or lite for moisture
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
For the Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or canola oil for sautéing the vegetables
  • 1/2 cup grated yellow onion
  • 1 teaspoon garlic grated
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 3 pieces bell peppers (1 red, 1 orange, and 1 green)
  • 1/2 cup mandarin oranges canned in juice, not syrup
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks canned in juice, not syrup
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons pineapple juice
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1/2 cup water, for thickening the sauce
  • 1/8 teaspoon sesame oil for a nutty aroma
For Serving:
  • Cooked rice for serving
  • Toasted sesame seeds optional garnish
  • Thinly sliced green onions optional garnish

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Grater
  • Whisk
  • Skillet

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking.
  2. Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, dried minced onion, egg, coconut milk, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
  3. Step 3: Form the Meatballs. Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and place them on a greased baking sheet.
  4. Step 4: Bake the Meatballs. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
  5. Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat, add grated onion, and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Add the Bell Peppers. Stir in the bell peppers and sauté for about 5 minutes until tender.
  7. Step 7: Prepare the Sauce. In a bowl, mix mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, sugar, vinegar, pineapple juice, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
  8. Step 8: Thicken the Sauce. Whisk cornstarch and water mixture into the sauce, then pour into the skillet and bring to a simmer until thickened.
  9. Step 9: Combine Meatballs and Sauce. Add the baked meatballs to the skillet and toss until coated.
  10. Step 10: Serve. Serve the meatballs over cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Notes

  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
  • For longer storage, freeze meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months.