This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my privacy policy.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs - The best tangy meatballs ever with homemade sweet and sour sauce, good for an appetizer or pairing for a great meal!
I Love Meatballs
Come to think about it, I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t love meatballs.
Ground meat of your choice seasoned with your favorite spices or flavorings, and then slathered in your favorite sauce. What’s not to love?
How To Make Sweet And Sour Meatballs
In my family, our sauce of choice for meatballs is sweet and sour sauce. The meatballs I make is seasoned with five-spice powder and the sweet and sour sauce pretty much escalates the taste to the next level.
Imagine sweet, sour, sticky Chinese sauce that coats every inch of the meatballs, on top of a steaming bowl of white rice…ahhh, the best!!
For the meat, I prefer to use ground pork or ground chicken, but I have to say that ground pork tastes better. Ground chicken is great, too.
If you use skinless and boneless chicken thighs, the meatballs will always be juicy and moist. The sweet and sour source is addictive, made of ketchup, Thai sweet chili sauce, a bit of soy sauce and vinegar to bring out the perfect balance of sweet, sour and savory.
This dish is a winner. Double up on this recipe and make a big batch. Trust me, the meatballs will be gone in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe is only 363 calories per serving.
What To Serve With Sweet And Sour Meatballs
For a wholesome meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes.
I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
Other Recipes You Might Like
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Ingredients
- 12 oz (350g) ground pork , or ground chicken
- 1/2 inch (1cm) ginger, peeled, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder, optional
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 dashes ground white pepper
- 1 pinch salt
- oil , for pan-frying
- 1/2 small onion, quartered
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Chinese rice vinegar, or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Combine the ground pork or chicken with ginger, garlic, five-spice powder (if using), sesame oil, pepper, and salt. Stir until well combined. Wet both hands with water and shape the mixture into 24 meatballs. Set aside.
- Heat a wok or skillet with some oil and pan-fry the meatballs until they turn light golden brown. Drain them on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Clean the wok or skillet and heat it with a little oil. Add the onion and stir quickly for a few moments. Pour in the sweet and sour sauce and cook until it thickens, then add the meatballs. Stir well to coat the meatballs with the sauce. Dish out and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
It was delicious, I added red pepper bell thinly sliced and pineapple tidbits or chunks.
Marian, good idea. :)
Hi
Would using ground beef work just as well for this recipe? I tend to have ground beef on hand. Would you do anything different or add anything to ground beef versus the ground chicken or pork you suggested.
Thank you.
Yes ground beef would work. :)
Hi
Looks wonderful, would you serve this with rice?
Yes.
These look incredible–I will definitely have to try the recipe! I have always loved spaghetti and meatballs, but this recipe looks like it will beat the traditional Italian recipe any day!
Yep, it sure does in my opinion. :)
Hi,
It looks so delicious!
But, I doesn’t like vinegar or Apple cider vinegar. Can I replace it with plum sauce? Or do you have a better alternative?
Thank you.
Yes plum sauce will work very well. I use vinegar/apple cider vinegar because it’s more accessible to my American readers.
I LOVE making meatballs and this is a variation I haven’t tried yet, I’m putting this one on the list ASAP! :)
Hi, may i know , for the ginger, is to be chopped, thinly strips, etc…? Kindly advise. Thanks.
Hi, may i know , for the ginger, is to be chopped, thinly strips, etc…? Kindly advise. Thablack
I updated the recipe they are finely minced.
your recipes are so easy to follow..being of oriental background, but raised in the Caucasian culture. I am now learning to cook the delicious meals on your site. thank you
Thanks Ivy, so glad to hear that you like my easy to follow recipes. :)
Yum! Looks like a delicious snack, or to make awesome pastra with