Sweet & Sour Baked Meatballs

I defrosted two packets of minced pork. What to cook, eh? Mini Meatloaves, Minced Meat with Potatoes and Carrots, Baked Meatballs or Sweet & Sour Meatballs? 

OK. Sweet & Sour Meatballs lah. But I did not have any capsicum, so I only used cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. That's how it is with me. I don't plan anymore because I change my mind a lot. Many times I wasted ingredients and I am determined not to do that again.

The thought of frying batches of meatballs was discouraging. I was suffering from a headache and I did not want to stand around at the stove. The easiest and cleanest solution to meatballs is to bake them in the oven.

In the past, my meatballs were pale, though some got  a little bit browned. Then recently, instead of using salt, I seasoned the minced pork with light soya sauce. I noticed that the  baked meatballs were more browned. So I tried it again and yes, my meatballs got browned.

I have always had a thing for sweet and sour dishes especially Sweet & Sour Pork. So I was happy with this. I made only enough sauce to coat the meatballs because too much sauce may not always be the best thing.

Sweet & Sour Baked Meatballs

Recipe source : PH

For the baked meatballs :

- 350g minced pork

- 1/2 red onion, finely diced

- 1/2 tsp garlic powder

- 2 tbsp light soya sauce (or to tastes)

- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked pepper

- 1 tbsp cornflour

- 1 egg

For the sauce :

- 1 tsp cornflour

- 3 tbsp water

- 3 tbsp tomato ketchup

- 1 tbsp light soya sauce

- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

For the vegetables :

- 1 red onion cut into wedges

- 1 Japanese cucumber, cut into small cubes

- 10 cherry tomatoes, cut into halves

Method :

For the baked meatballs :

1. Mix all ingredients together until the mixture becomes gluey and sticky.

2. Form into balls and place them onto a lined baking pan.

3. Bake at 180C for 22-25 minutes or until meatballs are browned.

4. Remove from oven and set aside.

For the sauce :

1. In a bowl, mix the cornflour with water until cornflour dissolves.

2. Then add tomato ketchup, light soya sauce and apple cider vinegar. Set aside.

3. Heat oil in a wok and saute the onion wedges until wilted.

4. Add cucumber and tomatoes and stir fry briefly.

5. Add the sauce and bring to a boil.

6. Add the baked meatballs and toss all the ingredients together.

7. Dish out and serve.