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Sweet-And-Sour Meat Balls

Sweet-and-Sour Meat Balls recipe image
These Sweet-And-Sour Meat Balls offer a unique twist on classic comfort food, combining tender beef patties with a vibrant, tangy sauce. The dish balances rich, savory flavors from the beef stock and browned meat with the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice and the natural sweetness of seedless raisins. A surprising touch of crushed gingersnaps adds a warm, spicy undertone that complements the citrus perfectly. The meatballs are coated in cornstarch for a slight thickening effect and rolled in a savory mixture of onion and egg. This hearty yet refreshing meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. It&# 226;€™s simple to prepare using pantry staples, delivering a satisfying texture and complex flavor profile that appeals to both children and adults. Serve hot with rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6
Calories: 817.2
Description
These Sweet-And-Sour Meat Balls offer a unique twist on classic comfort food, combining tender beef patties with a vibrant, tangy sauce. The dish balances rich, savory flavors from the beef stock and browned meat with the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice and the natural sweetness of seedless raisins. A surprising touch of crushed gingersnaps adds a warm, spicy undertone that complements the citrus perfectly. Serve hot with rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 pound Ground beef
  • 4 tablespoon Grated onion
  • 1 Egg
  • 2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon Pepper
  • 3 tablespoon Cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoon Fat
  • 1 1/2 cup Beef stock
  • 2 tablespoon Lemon juice
  • 1 Lemon Thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Seedless raisins
  • 3 tablespoon Sugar
  • 6 Gingersnaps Crushed
Directions
  1. 1
    In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, egg, 1 teaspoon of salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. 2
    Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch diameter balls.
  3. 3
    Place the cornstarch on a plate and lightly roll each meatball in it to coat.
  4. 4
    Heat the fat in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. 5
    Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  6. 6
    Add the beef stock, lemon juice, sliced lemon, raisins, sugar, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt to the skillet.
  7. 7
    Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. 8
    Stir in the crushed gingersnaps and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 817.2kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 40.7g63%
Saturated Fat 16.1g81%
Cholesterol 250.0mg84%
Sodium 9959.4mg415%
Total Carbohydrate 37.2g13%
Dietary Fiber 1.3g6%
Sugars 24.0g
Protein 70.4g141%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if the sauce has thickened too much.

Variations: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Tips: Ensure the beef is cold when mixing to prevent the fat from becoming too soft. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water before stirring it into the simmering liquid.

Keywords: meatballs, beef, sweet and sour, lemon, raisins, gingersnap, dinner, comfort food, easy, family meal, savory, tangy, one-pot, skillet, beef stock, onion, egg, cornstarch, sugar, spice, classic
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/sweet-and-sour-meat-balls/