If you’re looking for a delicious and versatile dish, then sweet and sour meatballs are the perfect choice! This recipe combines savory meatballs with a tangy and sweet sauce, creating a flavor explosion that’s sure to impress your taste buds. Easy to make and great for any occasion, these meatballs are a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of sweet and sour flavors creates a delicious and unique taste sensation.
- Quick and easy prep time makes this dish perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even as a party snack.
Ingredient Notes:
- Ground beef: Provides the base for the meatballs, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken.
- Pineapple juice: Adds a tropical sweetness to the sauce, but you can substitute with orange juice if needed.
- Fresh pineapple: Adds a burst of freshness to the dish, but canned pineapple can be used as a substitute.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, egg, cornstarch, salt, diced onion, and black pepper.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and brown them in a pan with vegetable oil.
- In a separate saucepan, combine pineapple juice, cornstarch, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and sugar to make the sweet and sour sauce.
- Add pineapple, bell pepper, carrot, and onion to the sauce and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
- Finally, add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer for a few more minutes.
Helpful Tips:
- For a healthier option, you can bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying them.
- To make the dish spicier, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Serve the meatballs over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Marinate the meatballs in soy sauce and garlic before cooking for added flavor.
- Use fresh, ripe pineapple for the best taste and texture in the dish.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these sweet and sour meatballs with steamed white rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?
Yes, you can use pre-made frozen meatballs for a quicker option. - Is it necessary to use fresh pineapple in this recipe?
Fresh pineapple adds a nice touch, but canned pineapple works just as well. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and simply reheat before serving. - How can I make the sauce thicker?
Add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the sauce and simmer until thickened.
Conclusion:
Now that you have all the tips and tricks to make delicious sweet and sour meatballs, it’s time to get cooking! Whether you’re serving them for dinner or at a party, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy every bite of this flavorful dish!
Print
Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Suan T’ien Niu Jou Po Lo La Tzu)
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a delicious combination of juicy meatballs in a tangy, sweet sauce with pineapple and bell peppers. Perfect for a flavorful dinner!
Ingredients
Meatballs:
-
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons diced onion
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Sauce:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
- 6 tablespoons water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 slices fresh pineapple, cut into pieces
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1/4 carrot, thinly sliced
- 1/3 onion, cut into wedges and separated
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground beef, egg, cornstarch, salt, diced onion, and black pepper. Shape into meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat oil in a pan and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, combine pineapple juice, cornstarch, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and sugar. Stir until thickened.
- Finish the Dish: Add pineapple, bell pepper, carrot, and onion to the sauce. Simmer until vegetables are tender. Add meatballs back to the pan and coat with sauce.
- Serve: Serve the sweet and sour meatballs hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- You can customize the vegetables in the dish based on your preferences.
- For a spicier version, add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg