1. Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and ground ginger (if using). Mix until well combined but do not overmix.
- Form the Meatballs:
- Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Meatballs:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.
2. Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice (if using). Whisk until smooth.
- Cook the Sauce:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Combine and Serve
- Add the Meatballs to the Sauce:
- Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the saucepan with the sweet and sour sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer:
- Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve:
- Transfer the Tangy Sweet and Sour Meatballs to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips for Perfect Meatballs
- Do Not Overmix: Overmixing the meatball mixture can make the meatballs tough. Mix just until combined.
- Uniform Size: Make sure the meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Moist Meatballs: Adding breadcrumbs and milk helps keep the meatballs moist and tender.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Asian-Inspired: Add a teaspoon of sesame oil and some finely chopped ginger to the sauce for an Asian twist.
- Hawaiian Style: Add chunks of pineapple to the meatballs and sauce for a tropical flavor.
Conclusion
Tangy Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their flavorful meatballs and tangy sauce, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone.
Key Takeaway
The secret to perfect Tangy Sweet and Sour Meatballs lies in the balance of sweet and tangy flavors and the tender, juicy meatballs. By following this guide, you’ll create a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish every time.
We hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring. Enjoy your Tangy Sweet and Sour Meatballs!