Here is an appetizing introduction to the recipe, ranging from 350-500 characters, written before any headings. Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a delicious and irresistible dish that brings together the perfect blend of tangy and savory flavors. These tender meatballs coated in a glossy sweet and sour sauce are not just easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Whether served over rice or as an appetizer, this dish is sure to please your family and guests alike. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Ingredients
Here is the list of ingredients.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (approximately 4 meatballs) contains around 320 calories, 20g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. This calculation is based on standard ingredients and may vary based on specific brands.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until well combined and form into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar over medium heat.
7. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
8. Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the cornstarch mixture.
9. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes.
10. Toss the baked meatballs in the sauce and serve hot.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Additionally, gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Serving and Pairings
Serve Sweet and Sour Meatballs over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside steamed vegetables. They also pair well with fried rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat on the stove over low heat. These meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the meatball mixture can lead to tough meatballs.
- Not preheating the oven may result in uneven cooking.
- Using too much cornstarch can make the sauce overly thick.
- Under-seasoning can lead to bland meatballs.
- Not allowing the sauce to simmer properly can affect its flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs.
- Let the meatball mixture rest for 10 minutes before shaping.
- For extra flavor, add chopped green onions to the meatball mix.
- Serve with sesame seeds for added crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just bake them according to package instructions and then toss them in the sauce to coat.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To make the sauce spicier, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture while it simmers.
What can I serve with Sweet and Sour Meatballs?
These meatballs pair wonderfully with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables, making for a balanced meal.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Just refrigerate them separately and combine them before serving.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
Meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) and are no longer pink in the center.
Conclusion
Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a delightful dish that balances savory and tangy flavors perfectly. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, they make an excellent choice for any mealtime. Whether served alone or over rice, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite!
Sweet And Sour Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined and form into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
- In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the cornstarch mixture.
- Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes.
- Toss the baked meatballs in the sauce and serve hot.
