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The foundation of any great meatball lies in its ingredients. For Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs, you have a choice between ground pork or chicken, both of which bring their distinct flavors to the dish. Ground pork is slightly fattier, which helps in achieving juicy meatballs, while ground chicken offers a leaner alternative without sacrificing taste.

Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs

Elevate your dining experience with Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs, a dish that beautifully blends savory meatballs with the vibrant sweetness of pineapple. This easy-to-prepare recipe not only captivates the palate with its delightful contrast of flavors but also adds a burst of color to your table. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, this dish showcases the best of sweet and sour cuisine, rooted in rich cultural traditions. Discover how to create this culinary gem that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground pork (or chicken)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ginger, grated

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

1 cup pineapple juice

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup rice vinegar

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)

1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup sweet onion, diced

1 tablespoon oil for sautéing

For Garnish:

Chopped green onions

Sesame seeds

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Instructions
 

Prepare the Meatballs:

    - In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, breadcrumbs, green onions, cilantro, egg, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

      - Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside on a baking tray.

        Bake the Meatballs:

          - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

            - Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

              Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

                - While the meatballs are baking, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

                  - Sauté the diced red bell pepper and sweet onion for about 3-4 minutes, until softened.

                    - In a separate bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and soy sauce.

                      - Pour this mixture into the saucepan and bring it to a simmer.

                        - Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

                          - Add the pineapple chunks and stir to combine.

                            Combine Meatballs and Sauce:

                              - Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and add them to the sweet and sour sauce. Toss gently to coat all the meatballs in the sauce.

                                Serve:

                                  - Serve the sweet and sour pineapple meatballs over rice or noodles, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

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                                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4