Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs

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For those looking to tantalize their taste buds with a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs are the ultimate treat. This dish, with its succulent meatballs drenched in an appetizing sweet and sour sauce, topped with juicy pineapple tidbits, is sure to leave your guests in awe. Whether it’s a family gathering, potluck, or a cozy dinner, this recipe is your one-stop solution to making a dish that’s not only lip-smacking but also easy to prepare. So, without any further ado, let’s dive into the world of deliciousness!

How to Prepare Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs

This exquisite dish can be whipped up in no time and with ingredients that are usually readily available in your pantry. The meatballs are tender and juicy, while the sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess. The pineapple tidbits add an exotic touch, making this dish a real crowd-pleaser. Here’s how you can make this culinary delight in the comfort of your home:

Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs

Meatballs:

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 2 large eggs
• 1⁄2 cup fine dry breadcrumb
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce:

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 3⁄4 cups reserved pineapple juice, plus water if necessary to measure
• 1⁄4 cup white vinegar
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 (14 ounce) can pineapple tidbits, juice drained and reserved

Directions for Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) degrees.
2. In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients and mix well. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
3. Brown the meatballs in a nonstick frying pan (you may need to do this in batches) until they are browned all over. Drain them on a paper towel and then place them in a large ungreased casserole dish.
4. In a large saucepan, combine the brown sugar and cornstarch. Whisk in the pineapple juice and water until the mixture is smooth.
5. Add thevinegar, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to the saucepan and stir.
6. Allow the sauce to simmer, uncovered, on medium-low heat for about 8 minutes, or until it has thickened.
7. Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the casserole dish and add the pineapple tidbits. Gently stir to combine until the meatballs are coated with the sauce.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Your delectable Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs are now ready to be served. Pair them with rice or noodles for an enthralling experience.

Tips and Suggestions

• For an added layer of flavor, consider using fresh pineapple instead of canned. This will make the dish even more refreshing.
• If you prefer your meatballs to be spicy, you can add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• For vegetarian options, consider using plant-based ground meat as an alternative.
• Using a mix of ground pork and beef can give the meatballs a richer taste and texture.
• This recipe can easily be doubled if you are serving a large group.

FAQs

Q: Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?

A: Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before you bake them with the sauce.

Q: Can this dish be frozen for later use?

A: Absolutely! Once cooked, allow the dish to cool completely. Then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q: Is there a substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

A: Yes, if you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and balsamic vinegar as a substitute.

Q: What side dishes go well with Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs?

A: This dish pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or a refreshing salad. You can also serve them with crusty bread for a hearty meal.

Now that you’re equipped with this fantastic Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs recipe, it’s time to don your chef’s hat and get cooking! This dish is sure to be a hit among both kids and adults, and will leave everyone craving for more. Bon Appétit!

Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

Meatballs:

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumb
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce:

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 3/4 cups reserved pineapple juice plus water if necessary to measure (it will be)
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 14 ounce can pineapple tidbits, juice drained and reserved (see above)

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
• First, make the meatballs: combine all meatball ingredients (there’s 7, beef to garlic powder) in a bowl and mix well; shape into 1-inch balls.
• Brown them in a nonstick frying pan (I do it in 3 batches) until browned all over; drain on paper towel then place in a large ungreased casserole dish.
• To make sauce, combine brown sugar and cornstarch in a large saucepan, then whisk in the 1-3/4 cup pineapple juice/water combination until mixture is smooth.
• Add vinegar, soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce; stir.
• Simmer, uncovered, on medium-low heat for about 8 minutes, or until thickened.Pour sauce over meatballs and add pineapple tidbits; stir gently to combine until meatballs are coated with sauce.
• Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.
• If you want a lot, this recipe doubles well.

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