Sweet & Sour Meatballs
These Sweet & Sour Meatballs are a simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer you can whip up in about 20 minutes. The sauce hits that perfect balance of tangy and sweet, clinging to every bite of tender meatball. Serve them straight from the skillet with toothpicks or over rice for something more filling.
You’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket because it’s fast, flavorful, and made with pantry staples. No need to make meatballs from scratch—frozen ones work perfectly and soak up the sauce like a dream. Great for parties, potlucks, or just a night when takeout isn’t in the budget.
Helpful Tips
- Use a nonstick or well-oiled skillet – This keeps the sugar in the sauce from sticking or burning as it thickens.
- Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste – Add a little extra vinegar for more bite or a bit more brown sugar if you like it sweeter.
- Don’t overcook the meatballs – They just need to heat through—keep an eye on the sauce so it stays glossy, not sticky.
You Might Also Like
Sweet & Sour Meatballs
The meatballs are simmered until coated in a glossy glaze, making them a satisfying option for dinner or a hearty appetizer.
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown sugar loosely packed
- ½ cup cider vinegar
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tbsp water
- 24 precooked meatballs frozen is fine
Instructions
- Add brown sugar, vinegar, broth, ketchup, soy sauce to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Whisk and bring to a boil.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Add it to the skillet and whisk to combine. Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Add meatballs. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until the meatballs are heated through.
Nutrition
Calories: 239kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 332mgPotassium: 236mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 55IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
