Sweet & Sour Meatballs with Pineapple
These Sweet & Sour Meatballs with Pineapple are juicy, tender, and coated in a glossy sauce that balances natural sweetness from pineapple with gentle tang—not spicy, family-friendly, and perfect over rice or as a party appetizer. This version keeps things lighter and Mediterranean-leaning by pan-searing or baking the meatballs and using simple pantry ingredients.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
Meatballs
500 g ground chicken or turkey (beef works too)
1 egg
½ cup breadcrumbs or oat crumbs
2 tbsp milk or water
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
1 tbsp olive oil
Sweet & Sour Pineapple Sauce
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, juice reserved)
½ cup pineapple juice
¼ cup ketchup
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
Optional Add-ins
½ bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, sliced
Sesame seeds & green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs
In a bowl, mix ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, garlic, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Roll into medium meatballs (about 1½ tbsp each).
2. Cook the Meatballs
Pan Method:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs, turning, until golden and cooked through (8–10 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Oven Method (lighter):
Bake at 200°C / 400°F for 15–18 minutes until cooked.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In the same pan, sauté onion and bell pepper (if using) until soft.
Add pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, honey, and vinegar. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thick and glossy.
4. Combine
Add pineapple chunks and cooked meatballs to the sauce.
Gently toss and simmer 3–5 minutes until coated.
5. Serve
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Serve hot over steamed rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
Notes & Tips
Use fresh pineapple for brighter flavor; canned works great for convenience.
For extra shine, finish with ½ tsp olive oil.
Keep heat low after thickening to avoid over-reducing the sauce.
Great for meal prep—flavors deepen overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it healthier?
Yes—bake the meatballs and serve with brown rice or quinoa.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Swap meatballs for chickpea or lentil meatballs or pan-seared tofu cubes.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 3 g