The Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe is a delightful dish that’s both easy to prepare and impressive to serve, making it a perfect choice for family meals or special occasions. This dish combines the savory richness of ground pork with the vibrant flavors of a tangy, sweet, and sour sauce, creating a harmonious blend that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The meatballs are made by mixing ground pork with seasonings and other ingredients, then shaping them into bite-sized pieces before frying them to golden perfection. Once cooked, they’re tossed in a glossy, flavorful sauce that’s both tangy and slightly sweet, giving the dish its signature appeal.
What makes this recipe truly special is its balance of flavors and textures. The meatballs are tender and juicy on the inside, with a slightly crispy exterior from frying. The sauce, made with a combination of vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce, adds a burst of tangy and sweet flavors that complement the savory meatballs perfectly. Vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and pineapples are often added to the sauce, not only enhancing the dish’s visual appeal but also providing a nutritious boost. The result is a colorful, flavorful, and well-rounded meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
This Sweet and Sour Meatballs dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a great source of protein and vitamins, thanks to the meat and vegetables. It’s a versatile recipe that can be served with steamed rice or noodles, making it a complete and hearty meal. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and irresistible flavors.
Try this easy Filipino-inspired Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe at home, and enjoy a dish that’s both comforting and fancy. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Your family will love the combination of flavors, and you’ll appreciate how quick and straightforward it is to prepare!
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The Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe is easy to make and delicious, yet a fancy dish to serve for the family.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
500g ground pork
2red onion (peeled and minced)
1/4cup minced celery (optional)
2tsp salt
1/2tsp ground black pepper
1/2cup breadcrumbs
2fresh eggs
1/2cup cooking oil
Sweet and sour sauce:
4clove garlic (peeled and minced)
1medium onion (quartered)
1 carrot (peeled and sliced)
1red bell pepper (seeded and cubed)
1 green bell pepper (seeded and cubed)
1small can pineapple chunks or tidbits (juice included)
4tbsp ketchup (tomato or banana)
1/2cup brown sugar
1/4cup vinegar (add more if desired)
1cup water
1tbsp cornstarch diluted in 2 tablespoons of water (slurry)
2tbsp cooking oil
Instructions
For the meat balls
1
Combine ground pork, onion, celery, salt, pepper, eggs, and bread crumbs in a large mixing bowl. Use a cooking glove and hand mix until well combined.
Note: If you don't like the breadcrumbs, they can be substituted with all-purpose flour; start with 1/4 cup and adjust accordingly.
2
Scoop 1 tablespoon of the mixture, or 2 tablespoons if desired, and shape it into a ball. Repeat the process until the mixture is used up.
3
Heat a frying pan, then pour in ½ cup of cooking oil. Once the oil is hot enough, gently put the meatballs in the pan and fry until the outer side turns brown.
4
Transfer the fried meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drip the excess oil.
5
Fry them in batches if needed, and then turn off the heat once done.
Sweet and sour sauce
6
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a separate pan. Sauté the garlic until aromatic.
7
Add the onion, carrot, and bell peppers, then cook for a couple of minutes. Then add the pineapple chunks or tidbits and cook for a minute.
8
Stir in the ketchup, sugar, and vinegar, then add water and stir, bringing the liquid to a boil. Stir occasionally.
9
Stir in the slurry (cornstarch diluted in water) and keep cooking over medium-low heat until the desired thickness of the sauce is reached. Taste it and adjust as necessary.
10
Add the pan-fried meatballs and gently toss until the meatballs are covered with the sauce.
11
Turn off the heat and transfer the dish to a serving plate. Serve warm and enjoy.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories515kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat30.8g48%
Saturated Fat12.6g63%
Cholesterol133mg45%
Sodium1046mg44%
Potassium581mg17%
Total Carbohydrate34g12%
Dietary Fiber2.6g11%
Sugars21.2g
Protein25.8g52%
Calcium 81 mg
Iron 2 mg
Vitamin D 200 IU
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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