Looking for a delicious way to indulge your cravings without the carbs? Say hello to these Low Carb Sweet and Sour Cocktail Meatballs! Bursting with flavor and packed with wholesome ingredients, these meatballs are the perfect blend of savory and sweet, making them an irresistible option for any gathering or a cozy dinner at home. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a mere 25 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a guilt-free treat that satisfies your taste buds and keeps your diet on track!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Egg
- Almond flour
- Sweetener
- Vinegar
- Tomato sauce
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the meatballs cook evenly and develop a nice brown color.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1 large egg, and 1/2 cup of almond flour. The almond flour acts as a low-carb binder while adding moisture to the meatballs.
- Add 2 tablespoons of your preferred sweetener (like erythritol or stevia) to the mixture. This will give the meatballs a hint of sweetness that complements the sour sauce.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar works well) and 1/2 cup of tomato sauce. This will be the base for your sweet and sour sauce.
- Season the meatball mixture with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. These spices will enhance the flavor of the meatballs.
- Using your hands, mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. This size helps them cook evenly and makes them easy to eat.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Make sure they are spaced apart to allow even cooking.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden brown exterior. You can check for doneness by cutting one in half; it should be no longer pink inside.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the vinegar and tomato sauce mixture. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. If desired, you can add more sweetener to taste to achieve your preferred level of sweetness.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the saucepan with the sweet and sour sauce. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce to coat them evenly.
- Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve the low carb sweet and sour cocktail meatballs warm, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy them as an appetizer or a main dish!
Tips
- Choose the Right Ground Beef: Opt for ground beef with a fat content of around 80/20 for juicier meatballs. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but make sure to adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so be gentle!
- Form Uniform Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form meatballs of the same size (about 1 to
- 5 inches). This ensures they cook evenly and look appealing on the plate.
- Experiment with Sweeteners: Depending on your taste preference, feel free to experiment with different low-carb sweeteners. Erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener can all work beautifully to achieve that perfect balance of sweet and sour.
- Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sweet and sour sauce to simmer for a bit longer if you want a thicker consistency. Stir occasionally and taste as you go to find your ideal level of sweetness.
- Garnish for Flair: Don’t forget to garnish your meatballs with chopped green onions or sesame seeds before serving. It adds a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor!
- Meal Prep Friendly: These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month. Simply reheat and toss in the sauce when you’re ready to serve!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
