Sweet and Sour Meatballs

 Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground beef or ground pork (or a mixture of both)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 onion, cut into chunks
  • 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve the juice)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:

For the Meatballs:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

  2. Mix the ingredients together until well combined.

  3. Shape the mixture into meatballs, typically about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 20-24 meatballs.

  4. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

  5. Place the meatballs in the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. This should take about 10-12 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

  1. In the same skillet, add the bell pepper and onion chunks. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.

  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, water, and cornstarch.

  3. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.

  4. Add the drained pineapple chunks and a few tablespoons of the reserved pineapple juice (adjust to your desired level of sweetness).

  5. Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are tender.

  6. Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, coating them with the sweet and sour sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the meatballs through.

  7. Serve your Sweet and Sour Meatballs hot over cooked rice.

  8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sesame seeds if desired.

  9. Enjoy these delicious and tangy Sweet and Sour Meatballs as a flavorful and satisfying meal!

These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a classic favorite, combining savory meatballs with a tangy and slightly sweet sauce. They make a great main course for dinner or a delightful addition to a party or potluck spread.

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