Easy Meatball Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

If you love that perfect balance of tangy and sweet, this Easy Meatball Sweet and Sour Sauce is a recipe to keep on repeat. It’s the exact sauce from my well-loved Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe, just minus the meatballs!

What makes it so wonderful? You only need a few simple ingredients and just a couple of minutes on the stove—no complicated steps or endless stirring. Just heat everything up, pour it over your favorite protein or veggies, and you’re done. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights or when you want to jazz up leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Sauce:

1. Incredibly Versatile: This meatball sweet and sour sauce isn’t just for meatballs. It works with just about anything! Try it over chicken, beef, a stir-fry loaded with fresh veggies, or even tofu.
2. Perfect for Pre-Cooked Meatballs: Have some pre-cooked meatballs ready to go? Just whip up this sauce, pour it over the hot meatballs, and you’re good to serve a delicious meal in minutes. It’s a fast way to elevate leftovers without the effort.
3. Budget-Friendly & Time-Saving: With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of cooking, you’ll have a flavorful sauce that rivals any restaurant’s version without the cost or the wait.

Recipe Tips:

• Use Pantry Staples: No need to hunt down special ingredients. Chances are, you already have everything you need in your pantry.
• Batch & Store: Make a double batch and keep some in the fridge for the week. It thickens as it cools, so just reheat it on low if needed.

Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe Variations

1. Add Pineapple: For an extra layer of sweetness, add canned pineapple chunks and a bit of the juice to the sauce. It’s a delicious twist that pairs well with chicken, pork, or meatballs.
2. Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a squeeze of Sriracha to the sauce. This kick of spice is great for pairing with beef or veggies.
3. Make It Tangier: For a sharper tang, add a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice to brighten up the flavors even more.
4. Try Honey or Maple Syrup: Swap the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a deeper, natural sweetness. It brings out different flavors and works wonderfully with chicken or tofu.
5. Herb It Up: Stir in fresh chopped herbs like cilantro or green onions just before serving to add a fresh, vibrant flavor, especially with vegetarian stir-fries or grilled chicken.

These variations let you customize the sauce to fit whatever you’re in the mood for, so don’t hesitate to experiment!

This sauce has a permanent spot in my kitchen for a reason—it’s that good and that easy! Whether you’re feeding a family or just whipping up a solo dinner, it’s an affordable, delicious way to add some flair to your favorite dishes.

Easy Meatball Sweet and Sour Sauce

Recipe by Jessie

Course: Main DishesDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

With just a few ingredients and minutes on the stove, you’ll have a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce that pairs perfectly with meatballs, chicken, beef, veggies – you name it! Perfect for busy nights or adding a delicious twist to leftovers, this versatile sauce is one you’ll keep coming back to!

Ingredients

• 2 c brown sugar

• 2 Tbsp flour or cornstarch

• 1/2 c vinegar

• 1/4 c water

• 2 Tbsp soy sauce

• 1 Tbsp ketchup

Directions

• Mix brown sugar, flour or cornstarch, vinegar, water, soy sauce, and ketchup in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring continuously to prevent burning and sticking.
• Pour the hot sauce over hot, precooked meatballs (or other protein you have hot and ready to eat).
• Serve over rice or noodles.

Looking for more meatball recipes? Check these delicious dishes out!