Sweet and Sour Meatballs: A Recipe for Deliciousness
Sweet and sour meatballs are a delightful dish that combines the savory flavors of meatballs with the tangy sweetness of a sweet and sour sauce. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to making this crowd-pleasing dish at home.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions:
Making the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- In the same skillet, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, water, and ginger.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the meatballs to the sauce and gently stir to coat.
- Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to cling to the meatballs.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the sweet and sour meatballs over rice, noodles, or with your favorite vegetable side dish. Garnish with chopped green onions for an added pop of color and flavor. Consider serving with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, marinate the meatballs in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick of spice.
- You can use different types of ground meat, such as turkey or chicken, for a leaner option.
- Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as white wine vinegar or rice vinegar.
- If you don't have brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar instead. Adjust the amount to your preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This sweet and sour meatballs recipe is sure to become a family favorite! The combination of savory meatballs and tangy sweet and sour sauce is irresistible. Enjoy!
