Tangy Sweet and Sour Meatballs

INGREDIENTS: 

For the Meatballs:

•  1 pound ground beef
•  1/2 cup breadcrumbs
•  1/4 cup milk
•  1 egg
•  1/4 cup finely chopped onion
•  1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
•  1/2 teaspoon salt
•  1/4 teaspoon black pepper
•  1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

•  1 cup ketchup
•  1/2 cup brown sugar
•  1/4 cup white vinegar
•  1 tablespoon soy sauce
•  1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

HOW TO MAKE: 

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. 
• Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined. The mixture should be evenly seasoned and slightly sticky.

2. Shape the Meatballs:

• Take a small amount of the meat mixture and roll it between your palms to form a meatball about 1 inch in diameter.
• Place the meatballs on a plate or tray as you form them, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.

3. Cook the Meatballs:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
• Add the meatballs to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly. You may need to cook them in batches if your skillet is not large enough.
• Cook the meatballs for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally so that they brown evenly on all sides and are cooked through. Use a spatula or tongs to gently turn the meatballs to avoid breaking them.

4. Prepare the Sauce:

• While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, white vinegar, and soy sauce until smooth.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce mixture, whisking well to combine.

5. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:

• Once the meatballs are browned and cooked through, reduce the heat to low.
• Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the skillet, ensuring all the meatballs are evenly coated.
• Stir gently to combine, taking care not to break the meatballs.

6. Simmer:

• Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even coating.

7. Serve:

• Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
• These tangy sweet and sour meatballs are perfect over rice, noodles, or as a delicious appetizer.

Enjoy your Tangy Sweet and Sour Meatballs with love of The Recipe Station!