1/2/2023: I updated this recipe so you can make it as a meal by adding stir-fried peppers and cauliflower rice. Happy New Year!
Here's a grain-free, gluten-free recipe for sweet and sour meatballs using pineapple juice, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and a few other healthy ingredients. You can use ground turkey, chicken, or other source of ground meat.
Sweet and sour meatballs are a great appetizer or main dish to share with a crowd, bring to a party, or just pack in a lunch. You can freeze them or make ahead and then warm up when you're ready.
To make this as a meal, prepare the meatballs and place them in the oven to bake. Next, get the sauce simmering, and stir fry the peppers. Remove the peppers and set aside. Add the cauliflower rice to the pan and prepare it. Combine the meatballs, sauce, and peppers, and layer it over the rice. Serve hot or warm.
At the end of every year I collect my thoughts and savor all the good stuff that happened before I jump into the new year with an open heart and mind. I'm grateful for all the wonderful comments, shares, photos of my recipes, private notes of thanks, and the opportunity to share my creations.
Happy New Year! May it bring you good health, peace, and much happiness.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 pounds ground meat (turkey, chicken or other)
- 2 large eggs
- 4 green onions chopped
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 3 cups unsalted tomato sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C, or gas mark 4).
- Prepare 2 baking sheets with non-stick mats or parchment paper.
- Prepare the sauce: Place the sauce ingredients in a large saucepan.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Prepare the meatballs: Process or finely chop the green onions.
- Combine the onions and the remaining meatball ingredients and process or blend in a large bowl.
- Spoon out about 30 small meatballs and spread them out across both baking sheets. To make them rounder and smooth, roll them before placing them on the mat.
- Bake the meatballs for 10 to 15 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Combine the meatballs and sauce, and serve.
- Store in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze for a few months.
Nutrition
Stir-Fried Peppers
Ingredients
- 1 red bell pepper cored and diced into bite-size pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper cored and diced into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or other oil
Instructions
- Place a large frying pan on medium heat.
- Add the oil.
- Add the diced peppers and toss them in the oil to coat them. Stir occasionally and allow them to brown on each side until tender.
Nutrition
Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients
- 24 ounces Cauliflower rice fresh or frozen; about 2 bags of frozen, I like this brand
- 1 to 2 tablespoons avocado oil or other oil
- 2 garlic cloves peeled and crushed or minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Warm up a frying pan on low to medium heat, and then add the oil.
- Add the garlic and sauté for a minute or so.
- Add the cauliflower and sauté for 5 to 10 minutes, or until cooked but not too soft or soggy.
Erin says
What kind of tomato sauce and pineapple juice do you use that are SCD legal?
Erica says
Here are a few brands of juice that have no added sugar or other stuff: https://amzn.to/44xcxAF, https://amzn.to/41fHqqn. For tomato sauce, try one of these: https://amzn.to/3pcZTXb, https://amzn.to/3pmteyj
Wonderful cook says
Definitely want to try these sweet and sour meatballs, look so delicious and I'm sure the kids will love them.
Erica says
They are great!
Barbara Van Wagner says
I was confused about the amount of salt. I see it listed twice in the sauce. Is this what we’re supposed to do, add it twice?
Also, I’ve never cooked with sesame oil. Do I put it in the pot first, when making the sauce?
Thanks and happy new year!
Erica says
Thanks for catching that! The 2 teaspoons of salt is for the meatballs, so just moved that. Happy New Year!
Rheanna Smith says
I wonder how this would be with ground venison. Thought?
Erica says
I think it would. I haven't tried it though.
Kasondra Iarussi says
I may be a little slow but does the coconut flour go in with the meatballs or the sauce?
Erica says
Thank you for asking! I separated out the meatball and sauce ingredients so it's easier to understand. Hope this helps. Best wishes!
Sarah says
Do you think I could make this into meatloaf? Same ratios? What do you think for cook time and temp? I love this recipe!
Erica says
That's a great idea! I'll test it and see. I think it might need to bake a bit longer.
Katie says
LOVED them!!! Thank you for adding a new flavor into the meals at our house!
Erica says
Always great to hear! thank you 🙂
Jami Hall says
Do you think you could make these in the crock pot?
Erica says
Yes, you can make the sauce in it.
Nancy says
Ohhhh! This looks like a yummy one! Can't wait to try it!
Erica says
It is!
Jeanie says
I’ve got to tell you, the sesame oil is wonderful to bring out the sweet and sour flavor! Great recipe!!
Erica says
I agree! thank you 🙂