Soft and Tender Chicken meatballs tossed in sweet and sour sauce with peppers is a quick and easy meal, ,ready under 30 minutes.
If you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavour, these sweet and sour chicken meatballs are a must-try. Juicy, tender chicken meatballs are simmered in a glossy homemade sweet and sour sauce with colourful bell peppers, creating a perfect balance of tangy and sweet in every bite.
This easy sweet and sour chicken meatballs recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings or last-minute entertaining. Serve them over steamed rice or noodles for a wholesome family meal that’s even better than takeout – and healthier too!
This recipe brings together simple, everyday ingredients to create a delicious dish with three main components: juicy chicken meatballs, a tangy sweet and sour sauce, and vibrant sautéed vegetables.
- Chicken mince forms the tender, flavour-packed meatballs.
- The sweet and sour sauce combines soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and a touch of chilli or ketchup for the perfect balance of tangy and sweet.
- Fresh onion, capsicum, and garlic add colour, crunch, and aroma to round out the dish.
With just a few pantry staples and fresh veggies, you can whip up this crowd-pleasing meal in under 30 minutes.
How to Make Sweet And Sour Meatballs
At first, the ingredient list might seem a bit long, but once you start prepping, the process becomes much simpler. This recipe has three main parts: the meatballs, the sauce, and the vegetables.
Prep everything first, and once you start cooking, it will take only about 10 minutes to bring the dish together.
Make the Meatballs:
I used chicken mince mixed with breadcrumbs, soy sauce, white pepper, egg, and salt to taste. Combine all these ingredients well and set the mixture aside while you prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables.
Cut the Vegetables:
For a colourful and fresh bite, I used capsicum and onion. Feel free to use any combination of red, green, or yellow capsicums to brighten the dish. Cut the capsicum and onion into small squares, and finely chop garlic cloves for added aroma.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together cornflour (cornstarch), soy sauce, chilli sauce or sriracha (or ketchup if you prefer no heat), brown sugar, vinegar, and black pepper. Add water and mix well until smooth and ready to thicken the sauce during cooking.
Cook and Combine:
Once all your ingredients are prepped, roll the chicken mixture into small, even meatballs. Heat vegetable oil in a pan and pan-fry the meatballs until they turn golden brown on one side. Carefully flip and cook through, then remove them from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté the chopped garlic until fragrant, then add the diced capsicum and onion. Stir-fry the vegetables until they start to soften. Pour in the prepared sweet and sour sauce and cook until it thickens slightly. Finally, return the meatballs to the pan and toss everything together until the meatballs are well coated in the glossy sauce.
Finish by garnishing with fresh spring onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and flavour.
WATCH HOW TO MAKE SWEET AND SOUR MEATBALLS
Serving Sweet and Sour Chicken Meatballs
Sweet and sour chicken meatballs pair perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or flavorful vegetable fried rice for a complete meal. They’re also delicious served over noodles—whether it’s simple boiled noodles or stir-fried chow mein—to soak up that tangy, glossy sauce.
For a fresh contrast, add a side of steamed greens or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the rich flavors.
Other Stir Fry and Asian recipes to Try
Black Pepper Chicken
THAI CASHEW CHICKEN
Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)
Chicken Chow Mein
Sweet and Sour Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 500 g Chicken Mince
- ½ cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp Soya Sauce
- ¼ tsp White Pepper
- Salt to taste
Sauce
- 2 tbsp Corn Flour
- 2 tbsp Soya Sauce
- 3 tbsp Chilli Sauce/Siracha (use Ketchup if you want no spice)
- 1 tsp Vinegar
- ½ tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- ¼ cup Water
Vegetables
- 1 Medium Onion (Cut in Squares)
- 1 Medium Capsicum (Cut In Squares) Green, yellow or Red pepper
- 3 Garlic Chopped.
- Spring Onion for garnish
- Sesame seeds
- 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
Instructions
- In bowl add chicken mince along with all the ingredients and set aside.
- In another bowl mix the ingredients of sauce and whisk together.
- Grease your hands with little oil and take a spoonful of mince mixture and make small balls.
- In a large skillet or pan heat oil. Once its hot turn the heat to medium low and put the meatballs in. After 2 minutes flip them over. Roll them occasionally to brown all sides evenly. Once done, remove the meatballs onto a large plate and set aside.
- In the same pan fry garlic for a minute and then add capsicum and onions. Stir fry for a minute.
- Stir the sauce and pour it in. Stir constantly until its simmering and thickened. Add Meatballs and toss them to coat with the sauce. If the sauce appears to thick add little water to adjust the consistency.
- Turn the heat off and garnish with finely sliced green onion and sprinkle some sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately with rice or noodles.
