Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Pineapple

Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Pineapple

Ingredients:

**For the Meatballs:**
– 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or pork
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)

**For the Sauce:**
– 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple or fresh juice)
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Meatballs:**
– In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
– Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
– Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

2. **Make the Sauce:**
– In the same skillet, add the pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
– Add the pineapple chunks to the sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes.
– Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thick and glossy.

3. **Combine and Serve:**
– Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly with the sauce.
– Simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
– Serve the sweet and sour meatballs with pineapple hot, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired.

These meatballs are perfect for a family dinner or as an appetizer for a party. They can be served with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy! If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.