Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs -

Welcome to a culinary adventure that transports your taste buds to a tropical paradise! The dish we are exploring today is the delightful Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs. This unique recipe combines the savory goodness of meatballs with the bright, refreshing flavors of pineapple, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at a gathering or as a main course for your family, these meatballs are sure to impress.

Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs

Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs! This delightful dish perfectly balances savory meatballs with the bright sweetness of pineapple, making it a hit for any occasion. Learn how to create flavorful meatballs using ground beef or turkey, and whip up a tangy sweet and sour sauce that elevates the dish. With the addition of colorful vegetables, you'll impress your family and friends while serving up a nutritious meal. Enjoy this unique twist on a classic recipe!

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned)

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1/2 cup onion, chopped

1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)

Cooked white rice or steamed rice for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, soy sauce, salt, black pepper, ground ginger, and parsley. Mix until well blended.

- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.

Bake the Meatballs:

- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for about 15-20 minutes or until browned and cooked through. You can also pan-fry them in a skillet over medium heat if you prefer.

Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

- Add the diced bell pepper and chopped onion to the pot. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the veggies soften.

- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes). Then fold in the fresh pineapple chunks.

Combine:

- Once the meatballs are cooked, gently add them to the saucepan with the sweet and sour sauce. Stir to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce and let them simmer together for about 5 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Serve:

- Serve the Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs over a bed of rice. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or sesame seeds if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings