Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Sweet and sour meatballs are a classic dish that appeals to both kids and adults. The tangy and savory sauce pairs perfectly with the tender meatballs. Ground beef or turkey are commonly used for the meatballs, but you can also substitute ground chicken, pork or lamb. Serve the meatballs and sauce over rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.
To make the meatballs, combine 1 pound of ground meat, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1/4 cup grated onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 beaten eggs and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley in a large bowl. Season with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Mix well and roll into 1-inch meatballs. Place on a plate and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
For the sauce, combine 3/4 cup sugar, 3/4 cup vinegar, 3/4 cup water, 3 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 3 cloves minced garlic in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the meatballs and simmer until the meatballs are cooked through, about 10 minutes.
To serve, spoon the meatballs and sauce over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced scallions, sesame seeds and chili sauce if desired. The sweet and sour flavors are nicely balanced in this dish, but you can adjust the amounts of sugar and vinegar to your taste. For extra veggies, stir in bell peppers, carrots, broccoli and cabbage during the last few minutes of cooking.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of water when reheating. You can also freeze the meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Sweet and sour meatballs make a great appetizer for parties but also work well for family weeknight dinners. Kids will surely enjoy the tangy and flavorful sauce with the tender meatballs. Adults can spice it up with some chili garlic sauce or sriracha. Experiment by mixing in different spices and herbs for variety.