Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs

These sweet-and-sour meatballs satisfy take-out cravings with just a few simple ingredients. Combining the classic flavors of sweet and tangy sauce with convenient frozen meatballs, this recipe results in a filling meal that’s delicious and just about effortless.

While your stovetop does most of the heavy lifting, you’re free to set the table, prep a quick side salad or simply relax—and in 30 minutes, you’ll have a piping hot, Asian-inspired dish that serves six.

Ingredients for Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs

• Pineapple chunks: A can of pineapple chunks imparts a sweet, tropical flavor to this sweet-and-sour meatballs recipe.
• Vinegar: The 3 tablespoons of vinegar provide the essential tanginess for the sweet-and-sour sauce.
• Soy sauce: Soy sauce adds umami and helps balance the sweetness.
• Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar gives the sauce its sweet and rich taste and helps it caramelize as it cooks.
• Cornstarch: A few tablespoons of cornstarch are used to thicken the sauce so it can coat the meatballs perfectly.
• Frozen meatballs: Pre-cooked meatballs serve as the main source of protein in this recipe.
• Green pepper: One large green pepper adds a fresh crunch and slightly bitter contrast to the sweet sauce.
• Rice: Cooked rice serves as the base for the sweet-and-sour meatballs. It also soaks up all the flavors present in the delicious sauce.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the sweet-and-sour sauce

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Drain the pineapple, reserving the juice. Add water to the juice, if needed to measure 1 cup, then pour the liquid into a large skillet. Add an additional 1/3 cup water, the vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar and cornstarch, then stir the mixture until smooth.

Editor’s Tip: To prevent a lumpy sauce, whisk the cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry before adding it to the skillet.

Step 2: Cook the sauce

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Cook the sauce over medium heat until it thickens, stirring constantly.

Step 3: Add the remaining ingredients

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Once the sauce has thickened, add the pineapple chunks, meatballs and green pepper, stirring to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Simmer and serve

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Simmer the meatballs and vegetables, uncovered, for about 20 minutes or until the meatballs are heated through and the green pepper is tender. Serve the meatballs over a plate of hot cooked rice.

Editor’s Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, garnish the dish with thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds just before serving.

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Sweet-and-Sour Meatball Variations

• Use different meatballs: For a more rustic meal, swap out the frozen meatballs for homemade ones. For a lighter protein option, use turkey or chicken meatballs.
• Add more vegetables: Amp up the nutrition and texture of this sweet-and-sour meatball recipe by adding sliced carrots, water chestnuts or snap peas.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy rendition of sweet-and-sour sauce.
• Add some herbs: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or sliced green onions over the sweet-and-sour meatballs before serving for additional flavor.

How to Store Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs

Leftovers of this sweet-and-sour meatballs recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving—add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened a lot.

Can you freeze sweet-and-sour meatballs?

Yes, you can easily freeze any leftovers. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, then store them in the freezer for up to three months.

Sweet-and-Sour Meatball Tips

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What can you serve with sweet-and-sour meatballs?

Instead of steamed white rice, you can make a bowl of fried rice to serve alongside these sweet-and-sour meatballs. A side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy also pairs well with this dish.

Can you use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can easily swap fresh pineapple in place of canned chunks. Use pineapple juice or chicken stock to create the tangy sauce base.

Can you make sweet-and-sour meatballs in an Instant Pot?

This sweet-and-sour meatballs recipe can easily be adapted for an Instant Pot, saving you even more cook time. Use the Instant Pot’s saute function to first make the sauce. Then add the meatballs and cook on high pressure for five minutes with a quick release.