🍍 Sweet & Sour Meatballs Recipe ♥️
Juicy homemade pork meatballs simmered in a tangy, colorful sweet and sour sauce packed with veggies and pineapple — this dish is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and sour flavors. Serve over steamed rice for a hearty family favorite!
📝 Ingredients
🧆 For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 large egg
- 1 medium onion – finely chopped
- 1 small carrot – finely diced
- ½ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper (adjust to taste)
- ⅛ cup grated Parmesan (optional, or use any grated cheese)
- Oil – for frying
🍛 For the Sweet & Sour Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ cup vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (dissolved in 1 cup water)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 small onion – quartered
- 1 small carrot – half sliced into strips, half into flower shapes (optional for garnish)
- ½ cup bell pepper – cut into squares
- ½ cup pineapple tidbits
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground pork, egg, finely chopped onion, diced carrots, flour, salt, pepper, and grated cheese (if using).
- Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Shape into small, even-sized balls (around 1 inch in diameter).
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the meatballs in batches until golden brown and cooked through (approx. 5–7 minutes per batch).
- Drain on paper towels. Set aside.
2. Make the Sweet & Sour Sauce:
- In a pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add quartered onion and stir-fry for 1 minute.
- Add carrot strips and bell pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add pineapple tidbits and cook another 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, salt, and ground pepper.
- Pour in the cornstarch-water mixture and stir until sauce thickens (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Combine & Serve:
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce.
- Stir gently to coat evenly and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with carrot flowers for a festive touch.
- Serve hot over steamed white rice, fried rice, or noodles.
👪 Servings
Serves: 4–5 people
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
💡 Tips & Notes
- Carrot flowers: Use a small cookie cutter or slice notches to create flower-shaped carrot slices for a visual treat.
- Vinegar type: White vinegar is commonly used, but rice vinegar gives a milder tang.
- Cheese: Parmesan adds umami but can be skipped for a more traditional flavor.
- Make ahead: Meatballs can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- For extra flavor: Add a dash of soy sauce or sesame oil to the sauce.
🥗 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350–400 kcal |
| Protein | 20–25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30–35 g |
| Sugars | ~10–12 g |
| Fat | 20–25 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
| Sodium | ~700–800 mg |
Note: Values vary based on portion size and ingredient brands.
🌟 Health Benefits
- Pineapple: Rich in vitamin C and enzymes that aid digestion.
- Carrots & Bell Peppers: Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin A.
- Protein-rich: Ground pork provides essential amino acids for muscle repair.
- Balanced flavors: The sweet, sour, and savory combination satisfies cravings and helps with portion control.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of pork?
A: Absolutely! Ground chicken or beef work well. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Q: Is it possible to bake the meatballs instead of frying?
A: Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Yes, use plant-based meat or tofu balls and vegetable stock in place of meat.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave.
Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: Best served with steamed rice, garlic fried rice, or noodles. Add a simple side salad for freshness.