Sweet Sour Meatballs: 1 incredible weeknight delight

Name: Sweet Sour Meatballs: 1 incredible weeknight delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 500 grams pre-cooked mini meatballs; 1 onion, sliced; 1 red capsicum (bell pepper), cut into bite-sized pieces; 250 grams fresh pineapple, diced; 4 spring onions, cut into 3 cm batons (white and green parts); Steamed rice, for serving; 90 grams (1/2 cup packed) brown sugar; 45 millilitres (3 tablespoons) white vinegar; 30 millilitres (2 tablespoons) tomato ketchup; 15 millilitres (1 tablespoon) light soy sauce; 80 millilitres (1/3 cup) pineapple juice; 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder; 2 teaspoons cornflour, mixed with 2 tablespoons water

by Fatima Garcia

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22 de January de 2026

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Sweet sour meatballs have always been a comfort food for me, evoking memories of busy weeknights and the irresistible aroma wafting from my grandmother’s kitchen. She had this magical way of transforming simple ingredients into something spectacular, and her version of Asian sweet sour meatballs was always a family favorite. I’ve spent years trying to replicate that perfect balance of tangy and sweet, and I’m thrilled to share this easy sweet sour meatballs recipe with you. It’s incredibly simple, uses pre-cooked meatballs for speed, and delivers that authentic takeout flavor you crave. The glossy, vibrant sauce clinging to tender meatballs, crisp vegetables, and juicy pineapple is pure bliss. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Sour Meatballs Recipe

This recipe for sweet sour meatballs is an absolute winner for so many reasons. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones!

Incredible Flavor: The perfect harmony of sweet and tangy notes with a hint of savory goodness makes these meatballs irresistible.
Super Quick Prep: You can whip up these quick sweet sour meatballs in a flash, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike go crazy for these glazed meatballs, ensuring happy mealtimes.
Budget-Friendly: Using pre-cooked meatballs and common pantry staples makes this a wonderfully economical meal.
Versatile Meal: Whether you’re aiming for a full dinner or just appetizers, these meatballs fit the bill perfectly.
Authentic Taste: Achieve that delicious takeout flavor right in your own kitchen with this easy recipe.
Satisfying Homemade Appeal: Even though it’s fast, these homemade sweet and sour meatballs taste like they took hours to prepare.

Ingredients for Homemade Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Gathering these ingredients is the first step to creating the most delicious sweet sour glaze for meatballs you’ve ever tasted. I love how simple this list is, relying on pantry staples and a few fresh items for maximum flavor.

2 tablespoons vegetable oil – for sautéing
500 grams pre-cooked mini meatballs – the star of our show!
1 onion, sliced – adds a savory base
1 red capsicum (bell pepper), cut into bite-sized pieces – for color and crunch
250 grams fresh pineapple, diced – crucial for that sweet tang
4 spring onions, cut into 3 cm batons (white and green parts) – for a fresh, oniony finish
Steamed rice, for serving – the perfect vehicle for all that sauce!
90 grams (1/2 cup packed) brown sugar – the foundation of our sweet glaze
45 millilitres (3 tablespoons) white vinegar – for that essential sour kick
30 millilitres (2 tablespoons) tomato ketchup – adds depth and a familiar flavor
15 millilitres (1 tablespoon) light soy sauce – for umami
80 millilitres (1/3 cup) pineapple juice – enhances the pineapple flavor and thins the sauce
1/4 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder – the secret weapon for authentic Asian flavor
2 teaspoons cornflour, mixed with 2 tablespoons water – to thicken our glorious sauce

How to Make Easy Sweet Sour Meatballs

Creating these delicious sweet sour meatballs is surprisingly straightforward, even for a weeknight. Follow these simple steps and get ready for a flavor explosion!

Step 1: First, let’s get our sauce started. In a medium saucepan, combine 90 grams (1/2 cup packed) brown sugar, 45 millilitres (3 tablespoons) white vinegar, 30 millilitres (2 tablespoons) tomato ketchup, 15 millilitres (1 tablespoon) light soy sauce, and 80 millilitres (1/3 cup) pineapple juice. Sprinkle in the 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 2: While the sauce simmers, prepare the thickener. In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons cornflour with 2 tablespoons water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the simmering sauce and whisk constantly. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened beautifully to a glossy consistency. Remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside.
Step 3: Now, let’s cook the stars of the show. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large wok or a spacious frying pan over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the 500 grams pre-cooked mini meatballs. Stir and toss them around for about 4 to 5 minutes, just until they are heated through and starting to get a lovely exterior.
Step 4: Add the aromatics and vegetables to the wok. Toss in the 1 onion, sliced, and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until it just begins to soften. Then, add the 1 red capsicum (bell pepper), cut into bite-sized pieces, and continue to stir-fry for another minute. You want them tender-crisp, not mushy!
Step 5: It’s time to bring it all together! Add the 250 grams fresh pineapple, diced, to the wok. Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over everything. Stir gently to coat all the meatballs, vegetables, and pineapple. Continue to cook for just a couple of minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce is clinging wonderfully. This is when the magic happens, and you can truly see how to make sweet sour meatballs shine.
Step 6: For a final burst of freshness and color, gently toss in the 4 spring onions, cut into 3 cm batons (white and green parts). Give it one last gentle stir. Serve these amazing sweet sour meatballs with pineapple immediately over fluffy steamed rice. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Sour Meatballs

Want to elevate your sweet and sour meatballs from good to absolutely unforgettable? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference. These tips will ensure your meatballs are a guaranteed hit every single time.

Always use fresh pineapple; it adds a brighter, more authentic flavor than canned.
Don’t overcook the vegetables; a slight crispness adds a wonderful texture contrast.
Make the sauce ahead of time; the flavors deepen and meld beautifully.
Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

What’s the secret to perfect sweet sour meatballs?

The real secret to achieving those perfect Chinese sweet sour meatballs lies in the sauce balance. That combination of brown sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and pineapple juice, thickened with a cornflour slurry, creates that signature glossy, tangy-sweet perfection. Don’t forget the Chinese five spice!

Can I make sweet sour meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The vegetables can also be chopped a day ahead. The meatballs themselves are best cooked right before serving, but assembling the dish is quick once everything is prepped. For more make-ahead meal ideas, check out these quick dinner recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with sweet sour meatballs?

A common pitfall is overcooking the vegetables, making them mushy. Stick to the stir-fry times suggested. Another mistake is not thickening the sauce enough; ensure your cornflour slurry is smooth and cooked for the full two minutes. Lastly, resist the urge to add too much liquid if it seems thin; the cornflour will do its job. For more cooking tips, you might find this guide on basic cooking techniques helpful.

Best Ways to Serve Sweet Sour Meatballs

These versatile sweet sour meatballs are fantastic for so many occasions! For a complete weeknight meal, serve them piping hot over fluffy steamed rice. The rice soaks up all that glorious sauce, making it a truly satisfying dish. You can also add some steamed broccoli or snow peas for a burst of green and extra nutrients. If you’re looking for crowd-pleasing sweet sour meatballs for appetizers, simply serve them in a slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They disappear fast at parties! These also make wonderful additions to a buffet spread, complementing other Asian-inspired dishes for a full “sweet sour meatballs dinner ideas” experience. Consider pairing them with other appetizer recipes for a party spread.

Nutrition Facts for Sweet Sour Meatballs

When you’re enjoying these delicious sweet sour meatballs, it’s helpful to know what you’re eating. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving. Remember, these values can vary slightly depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use. For more information on nutritional content, you can consult resources like the National Nutrition Data.

Calories: 420
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: N/A
Protein: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: N/A
Sugar: N/A
Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Sweet Sour Meatballs: 1 incredible weeknight delight - Sweet Sour Meatballs - additional detail

How to Store and Reheat Sweet Sour Meatballs

Proper storage is key to enjoying these delicious meatballs later. Once cooked, let your sweet sour meatballs cool down slightly at room temperature for about an hour. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making them great for meal prep. If you want to store them for longer, these meatballs freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. This method ensures your sweet sour meatballs recipe storage is simple and effective. For more food preservation tips, explore food storage guides.

Reheating is just as easy. For refrigerated meatballs, you can gently reheat them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if needed, or microwave them for a couple of minutes until heated through. Frozen meatballs should be thawed in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using the same methods as above. Enjoy your leftovers!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Sour Meatballs

What are sweet sour meatballs?

Sweet sour meatballs are a popular dish featuring meatballs coated in a distinctive sweet and sour sauce. This sauce is typically made with a base of vinegar, sugar, and ketchup, often enhanced with ingredients like pineapple juice, soy sauce, and spices for a complex flavor profile. They’re a beloved appetizer and main course, especially in Asian-inspired cuisine.

What are the best sweet sour meatballs like?

The best sweet sour meatballs are tender, flavorful, and coated in a glossy, thick sauce that perfectly balances sweet and tangy notes. They should have a vibrant appearance with colorful vegetables and perhaps chunks of pineapple. The meatballs themselves should be moist and well-seasoned, complementing the zesty glaze without being overpowered.

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of pre-cooked?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses pre-cooked meatballs for convenience, you can certainly use your favorite homemade meatballs. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the sauce. Baking or pan-frying your homemade meatballs until browned and cooked through before incorporating them into the stir-fry will yield fantastic results. For homemade meatball recipes, see these meatball recipes.

What kind of meatballs are best for this recipe?

For this particular recipe, pre-cooked mini meatballs are ideal because they heat through quickly and absorb the sauce wonderfully. However, you can also use regular-sized pre-cooked meatballs or homemade ones. Whether you prefer pork, beef, chicken, or even a mix, most types of meatballs work well, offering a slightly different flavor nuance to your sweet sour meatballs.

Variations of Sweet Sour Meatballs You Can Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are so many delicious ways to switch up your sweet and sour meatballs. For a lighter option, try using chicken sweet sour meatballs. Simply substitute the pre-cooked beef or pork meatballs with pre-cooked chicken meatballs, and you’ll have a delightful variation. If you’re looking for a plant-based option, vegetarian sweet sour meatballs are surprisingly easy to make. Use your favorite store-bought veggie meatballs or make your own from lentils and mushrooms. You can also experiment with different cooking methods; while stir-frying is quick, oven-baked sweet sour meatballs offer a hands-off approach. Just bake your meatballs with the sauce until heated through. For a different flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat or a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist.

About the Author

Fatima Garcia