These sweet and sour meatballs with pineapple chunks is made with frozen meatballs. Pineapple sweet and sour meatballs are covered in a crazy delicious homemade sweet and sour sauce.
The sweet and sour meatballs recipe with pineapple are a perfect appetizer or you can also serve them in dinner with rice or noodles. I’m 100% sure that not only adults but kids will also enjoy eating these tasty sweet and sour meat balls.
Quick And Easy Meatballs With Pineapple And Brown Sugar
Indulge in the sweet and sour symphony of these meatballs, your new favorite for a weekday dinner. Each bite is a medley of flavors that rivals any takeout dish.
The sauce is a marvel in itself, boasting a complexity, richness, and balance that’s hard to find.
Crafted in less than 20 minutes using pre-made meatballs, it’s an easy recipe that brings the essence of Chinese cuisine right to your table.
The sweetness from brown sugar and ketchup, coupled with a tang from vinegar, melds perfectly with pineapple chunks and pineapple juice.
Add to that the freshness of peppers and scallions, and you have a dish that’s not just good, it’s better than your usual takeout!
What Kind Of Meatballs To Use?
When crafting this sweet and sour pineapple meatballs recipe, the choice of meatballs plays a pivotal role.
Opt for premade or store-bought meatballs for their simplicity and all-purpose use. These usually have a neutral flavor profile, ensuring they don’t clash with the Chinese sauce.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using chicken or turkey meatballs.
For those who prefer beef, both ground beef and ground sausage meatballs can also blend deliciously with the sweet and sour flavors.
For a more gourmet touch, try making homemade meatballs using the easy meatball recipe, which allows you to control the flavor and quality of your pineapple sweet and sour meatballs, elevating the dish to a new level of taste and satisfaction.
Sweet And Sour Meatballs With Pineapple Chunks
Ingredients
- 25 all-purpose meatballs
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 2 1/4 cups pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions for garnish
- 1/2 cup brown sugar loosely packed
- 1 cup drained small pineapple chunks
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Rice for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, add 2 cups of pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, and vinegar, place over medium high heat and bring to boil.
- Mix ¼ pineapple juice and cornstarch in a small bowl, whip to remove all lumps. Mix into the skillet and add meatballs. Bring to a boil. Cover with lid and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until sauce is thick and meatballs are thoroughly heated.
- Mix in the pineapple chunks. Serve hot sweet and sour meatballs with pineapple chunks with rice and enjoy.
Variations For Sweet And Sour Chicken Meatballs With Pineapple
Explore sweet and sour meatballs with pineapple, and dare to change the classic.
- Introduce a spicy kick with chili flakes, minced chilis, or sriracha, embracing the bold flavors of Chinese food.
- Mix in veggies like carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, and onions, sauteing them alongside the meatballs for a wholesome twist.
- Balance the flavor of your sauce: make it sweeter or more sour to your liking by adjusting pineapple juice and rice vinegar quantities.
How To Store Sweet And Sour Meatballs With Pineapple And Rice?
Proper storage of sweet and sour meatballs with pineapple chunks is key to maintaining their flavor and texture.
- Serve as a party appetizer with 2-3 2-inch meatballs per person, or as a main entrée with 4-5 meatballs.
- Keep the meatballs warm in a crock pot if not serving immediately, to preserve their juiciness.
- To store, place the meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For reheating, use an oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to retain their juicy texture, or use a microwave for quick warming.
- Freeze the meatballs with pineapple for up to 3 months. Defrost them on the stovetop before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.
Tips For Making The Best Sweet And Sour Pineapple Meatball Recipe
Elevate your sweet and sour meatballs with these expert tips:
- Opt for pineapple chunks in juice rather than syrup to avoid excessive sweetness.
- Add green bell pepper for a pop of color, or experiment with red, orange, or yellow bell peppers.
- Brown the meatballs in olive oil before baking to enhance their flavor; this method can be altered to suit your taste.
- Serve with either white rice or fried rice to complement the dish.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure meatballs are of uniform size for even cooking.
- Keep your hands wet while forming the meatballs to reduce stickiness and make the process smoother.
What To Serve With Frozen Meatballs With Pineapple Recipe?
Pair these sweet and sour meatballs with pineapple chunks with Asian dishes for a complete meal.
Try homemade fried rice, Asian citrus chicken salad, fried egg rolls, or baked cream cheese Rangoon.
Simply serving over white rice also brings out the flavors beautifully.
FAQs About Sweet Sour Meatballs With Pineapple
1. Do I Use Precooked Meatballs For Sweet And Sour Meatballs?
Yes, you can use precooked or frozen meatballs for this recipe. If using uncooked meatballs, brown them in a skillet or broil them in the oven before adding to the sauce to ensure thorough cooking.
2. Can I Freeze Sweet And Sour Meatballs?
Absolutely! Double the recipe for extras and freeze for later. Cook the sauce and meatballs with peppers, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
3. What Do I Do If The Sweet And Sour Meatballs Are Too Sweet?
To balance the flavor, add something acidic like vinegar or citrus juice if it’s too sweet. Conversely, if it’s too sour, add a sweetener like brown sugar, pineapple juice, or honey.
4. Can I Make My Own Homemade Meatballs?
While you can try making your own homemade meatballs, be cautious as they may release fat while cooking, creating a greasy mess. Avoid using Italian style meatballs as their flavors may not blend well. Using pre-cooked or frozen meatballs is a safer bet.
5. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. For reheating, use a microwave or a pot on the stove.
