Sweet and Sour Meatball Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a plate of delicious meatballs drenched in a tangy and sweet sauce. This Sweet and Sour Meatball Recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also delivers a flavor punch that will have your taste buds dancing. With a perfect blend of savory and sweet, these meatballs are a hit at any gathering or family dinner. Let’s dive into the details of how to create this delightful dish!
The Upside of Sweet and Sour Meatball Recipe
Sweet and sour meatballs are a fantastic dish that brings together the best of both worlds—sweetness and savory richness. They are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for various occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. The meatballs are tender and juicy, while the sauce adds an irresistible flavor that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles. Plus, they are easy to make, allowing you to whip up a satisfying meal in no time.
Ingredient Rundown
To make this Sweet and Sour Meatball Recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 slices sandwich bread, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 egg
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tsp mustard
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Green onion, diced, for garnish
Equipment Breakdown
For this recipe, you’ll need some basic kitchen equipment:
- Mixing bowl: To combine the meatball ingredients.
- Baking sheet: For baking the meatballs in the oven.
- saucepan: To prepare the sauce.
- Cooking spoon: For stirring the sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure precise ingredient amounts.
Sweet and Sour Meatball Recipe — Do This Next
Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the small pieces of sandwich bread and milk. Let them soak for about 5 minutes until the bread is soft. Then, add in the ground beef, finely diced onion, grated garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. Place the formed meatballs onto a baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. You can also switch to the broiler for a couple of minutes at the end for a nice caramelization on top.
Step 4: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, mustard, water, diced onion, grated garlic, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is heated through.
Step 5: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the saucepan with the sweet and sour sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce. Allow them to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with diced green onions. They pair perfectly with steamed rice or noodles, making for a complete meal that delights everyone at the table.
International Equivalents
If you’re looking to add a twist to your Sweet and Sour Meatball Recipe, consider these international equivalents:
- Swedish Meatballs: Often served with a creamy gravy, these are a comforting alternative.
- Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork: A classic dish featuring pork instead of beef, with a similar tangy sauce.
- Italian Meatballs: Typically served in marinara sauce, these are a hearty option for pasta lovers.
- Japanese Teriyaki Meatballs: These feature a sweet teriyaki glaze, offering a different flavor profile.
Easy-to-Miss Gotchas
When making this Sweet and Sour Meatball Recipe, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Ensure the bread is well-soaked in milk to keep the meatballs moist.
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture; it can result in tough meatballs.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by varying the amount of brown sugar to your taste.
- Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overcooking the meatballs.
Save for Later: Storage Tips
If you have leftovers or want to make this dish ahead of time, here are some storage tips:
You can store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. If you want to prepare the dish ahead, you can also freeze the uncooked meatballs. Just shape them, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Helpful Q&A
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you prefer a leaner option. Just be aware that the texture may differ slightly.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
You can use soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a bit of vinegar as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce if needed.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to bake them.
Explore More
If you love this Sweet and Sour Meatball Recipe, you might also enjoy these delicious dishes:
- Honey Garlic Chicken – A sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.
- Grape Jelly Recipe – A delightful addition to your pantry that pairs beautifully with many meals.
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have all the steps and tips to create the perfect sweet and sour meatballs, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! This Sweet and Sour Meatball Recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to savor every delicious bite!
Sweet and Sour Meatball Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the small pieces of sandwich bread and milk. Let them soak for about 5 minutes until the bread is soft. Then, add in the ground beef, finely diced onion, grated garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. Place the formed meatballs onto a baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. You can also switch to the broiler for a couple of minutes at the end for a nice caramelization on top.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, mustard, water, diced onion, grated garlic, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is heated through.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the saucepan with the sweet and sour sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce. Allow them to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with diced green onions. They pair perfectly with steamed rice or noodles, making for a complete meal that delights everyone at the table.
Notes
- Ensure the bread is well-soaked in milk to keep the meatballs moist.
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture; it can result in tough meatballs.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by varying the amount of brown sugar to your taste.
