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Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a delightful combination of flavors, featuring juicy meatballs coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce.
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Ingredients
  

  • For the Meatballs:
  • - 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
  • - 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • - 1/4 cup milk
  • - 1 egg
  • - 1/4 cup onion finely chopped
  • - 2 cloves garlic minced
  • - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • - 1 teaspoon salt
  • - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • - 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder optional
  • - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
  • #### For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
  • - 1/2 cup ketchup
  • - 1/2 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • - 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water slurry
  • - 1 cup pineapple chunks optional
  • - 1 small bell pepper cut into chunks (optional)

Instructions
 

  • *Prepare the Meatballs:**
  • - In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and ginger powder (if using).
  • - Mix the ingredients until well combined but do not overwork the meat.
  • - Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs using your hands or a meatball scooper.
  • - Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • - Add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, cooking them until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. They do not need to be fully cooked through as they will simmer in the sauce.
  • - Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  • **Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:**
  • - In the same skillet (drain excess oil if necessary), add the ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine.
  • - Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • - Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  • - If using, add the pineapple chunks and bell pepper to the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
  • **Combine and Simmer:**
  • - Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them with the sweet and sour sauce.
  • - Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.
  • - Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
  • **Serve:**
  • - Serve the sweet and sour meatballs hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
  • - Pair them with steamed rice, noodles, or even on their own as a delicious appetizer.