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4.98 from 392 votes

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

This sweet and sour meatballs recipe is bursting with tangy pineapples and peppers. It's an easy, 20-minute version of Chinese takeout.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Chinese
Servings: 6
Author: Lil' Luna

Ingredients

  • ½ cup brown sugar loosely packed
  • ½ cup rice vinegar
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • cups pineapple juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 25 all-purpose meatballs (frozen is fine)
  • 2 bell peppers chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup drained small pineapple chunks
  • 2 tablespoons sliced green pnions for garnish
  • rice for serving

Instructions

  • Add brown sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and 2 cups of pineapple juice to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil.
  • In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and the remaining ¼ cup pineapple juice together, whisking to get out all the lumps. Whisk into your skillet.
  • Add Meatballs and chopped peppers. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are heated through.
  • Stir in pineapple chunks. Serve warm over rice. Top with green onion.

Video

Notes

Keeping meatballs warm. This recipe comes together so quickly that I don’t have a crock pot version. However, I will make this recipe and then keep them warm in a crock pot set to warm.
STORE. Sweet and sour meatballs will last in the fridge for up to 4 days if stored in an airtight container.
Reheat. The best way to reheat meatballs is in the oven, for 8-10 minutes at 350°F. This will help the meatballs retain their juicy consistency. However, if you’re in a rush, the dish reheats just fine in the microwave. 
FREEZE these easy sweet and sour meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Defrost before reheating in the oven, stovetop, or microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 301mg | Potassium: 480mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 1341IU | Vitamin C: 65mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1mg