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A bowl of glossy glazed meatballs garnished with sesame seeds and fresh sliced green onions.

Tangy Sweet and Sour Meatball Soup

Dive into a hearty, saucy soup brimming with savory, tender meatballs and a vibrant, tangy sweet and sour broth. This dish perfectly balances sweet, sour, and umami flavors, making it a comforting and flavorful meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American-Chinese, Asian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs ground pork lean
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce low-sodium
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp green onions thinly sliced
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium
  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce low-sodium
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks drained, juice reserved if not using bottled
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 2 tbsp green onions (garnish) sliced
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds (garnish)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, Panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, 2 tbsp soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, 2 tbsp sliced green onions, and black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can make meatballs tough.
  3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch size meatballs (approximately 30-36 meatballs) and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned. Set aside.
  5. While the meatballs are baking, heat sesame oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth, rice vinegar, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk well to combine, ensuring the brown sugar is dissolved.
  7. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the drained pineapple chunks. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  8. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until a smooth slurry forms.
  9. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering soup, whisking continuously. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens to your desired consistency.
  10. Gently add the cooked meatballs into the thickened sweet and sour soup. Stir gently to coat the meatballs and allow them to heat through for 2-3 minutes.
  11. Ladle the tangy sweet and sour meatball soup into bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot, perhaps with a side of steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you prefer a less 'soupy' consistency, you can reduce the amount of chicken broth to 3 cups. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken further upon cooling; simply add a splash of broth or water when reheating if needed.