Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs are a delightful combination of savory meatballs coated in a tangy and sweet pineapple sauce. This dish is perfect for parties, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to serve something flavorful and satisfying. The juicy pineapple chunks and the flavorful sauce make these meatballs irresistible.

The first time I made Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs was for a family potluck. I wanted to bring something unique and delicious that would stand out among the usual dishes. As the meatballs simmered in the sweet and tangy sauce, the kitchen filled with an inviting aroma. When I arrived at the potluck, these meatballs were an instant hit, with everyone coming back for seconds and asking for the recipe. Since then, they’ve become a beloved dish at our gatherings, always bringing a touch of tropical flavor and warmth.

Why You’ll Love Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs

1. Flavorful and Tangy: The perfect balance of sweet pineapple and tangy sauce with savory meatballs.
2. Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for any cook.
3. Versatile: Great as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults, these meatballs are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients Notes For Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs

1. Ground Meat: Use ground beef, pork, chicken, or turkey for the meatballs.
2. Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
3. Pineapple: Canned pineapple chunks add sweetness and juiciness.
4. Sauce Ingredients: Ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch create the sweet and sour sauce.

Recipe Steps

1. Prepare Meatballs:
   • Ingredients: 1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey), 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
   • Instructions: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Cook Meatballs:
   • Instructions: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make Sweet and Sour Sauce:
   • Ingredients: 1 cup pineapple juice (reserved from the canned pineapple), 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup rice vinegar or white vinegar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water.
   • Instructions: In the same skillet, combine the pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Pineapple and Meatballs:
   • Ingredients: 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained.
   • Instructions: Add the browned meatballs and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Stir to coat the meatballs and pineapple with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors have melded.
5. Serve:
   • Instructions: Serve the sweet and sour meatballs over rice or noodles, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.

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Storage Options

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze the meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations & Substitutions

1. Vegetarian: Use meatless meatballs or tofu cubes instead of ground meat.
2. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy version.
3. Different Fruits: Substitute pineapple with other fruits like mango or peach for a unique twist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?

A: Yes, you can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked.

Q: How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

A: Ensure the meatball mixture is well combined and compact the meatballs tightly when shaping them. Adding an egg and breadcrumbs helps bind the mixture.

Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

A: Absolutely! Fresh pineapple works well, and you can use fresh pineapple juice for the sauce.

Sweet And Sour Meatballs

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Ingredients

• Meatballs
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Sauce
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 20 oz can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
• Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
• Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.
• Make the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, combine the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger, and the reserved pineapple juice in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Add the pineapple chunks to the sauce and stir to combine. Remove from heat.
• Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the saucepan with the sweet and sour pineapple sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
• Serve: Serve the sweet and sour pineapple meatballs hot, as an appetizer or over rice for a main dish.

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