When I was younger, we lived in Hawaii for 7 years and I remember falling in love with Asian food. This is something my mom would make once a week as it was a family favorite. I remember as I got older, she would let make the meatballs and eventually I was able to use a knife to make the entire dinner for us. This is one of my earliest memories which would lead to my love for food and being in kitchens. As I got older, and my palate became more refined, I remember my parents would always let me be the “taste tester” for whatever they were cooking which only enhanced my love and curiosity for food. Hope you enjoy this family favorite recipe!

– Chef Dave, Executive Chef at Zoo Atlanta 

Print Recipe

Chef Dave's Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 2 lbs. ground beef
  • 2 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp pepper

Sweet and Sour Sauce

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 1/4 cup pineapple juice reserve 1/4 cup and add to cornstarch to thicken sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

4 cups large diced bell peppers

    2 cups large diced pineapple (canned/drained pineapple works as well)

      4 cups cooked rice

        1 bunch green onions (chopped for garnish)

          Instructions

          • Season ground beef with a salt and pepper. Form into 1oz meatablls and cook until temp reaches 165 degrees
          • Combine all sweet and sour sauce ingredients in skillet and bring to a boil, thicken with cornstarch and pineapple juice
          • Add meatballs pineapple and peppers to skillet and simmer for 15 minutes or until peppers are cooked
          • Serve over rice
          by Dina Biondo in Recipes