Posted Jan 05, 2017, Updated Jul 13, 2024 These paleo sweet and sour meatballs are a healthy meal that’s delicious and easy. Served with a side of stir fry vegetables you have a healthy and balanced dinner the whole family loves. Because if I’m being honest, I don’t always have the energy to spend hours in the kitchen, but I still want to feed my family nourishing meals that they actually like. Asian recipes (like these lettuce wraps, cashew chicken stir fry, etc). almost always win in my house when I need a quick dinner! They’re healthy, take less than 30 minutes to prepare, and taste amazing. These Paleo Sweet and Sour Meatballs are always a hit, and everyone in my family loves them! Plus they are gluten-free, dairy-free and refined sugar free!
How to Make Paleo Sweet and Sour Meatballs:
This recipe is easy to make in the oven or on the stovetop.
In the Oven
If you’d prefer to make baked meatballs, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a large baking sheet, set aside. Then, place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet evenly spread out. Next, bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes. Meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
On the Stovetop
If you prefer to cook the paleo sweet and sour meatballs on the stovetop, being by heating 1-2 TBS olive oil in a nonstick fry pan over medium heat. Then, add half of the meatballs and cover. Cook, covered, on one side for 4-5 minutes or until they are golden-brown. Remove lid and flip the meatballs. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until meatballs are golden brown and the internal temperature is 160 degrees F.
Serve
Serve these paleo sweet and sour meatballs with your favorite Asian dishes like stir fried vegetables, fried rice, or an asian quinoa salad, etc.
Store/Freeze
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Paleo Sweet and Sour Meatballs: Ingredients & Substitutions
Meatballs
Ground Turkey. Lean ground beef and ground chicken also work well in this recipe. Milk. Any dairy-free, paleo-friendly milk works great in this recipe. Regular milk also works. Onion/garlic powder. Real onion and minced garlic can be substituted for the powders. Just be aware it will add texture to the meatballs. I recommend cooking them together until soft and letting them cool before mixing them into the meatballs. Coconut flour. It only takes a small amount of coconut flour to bind the meatballs together beautifully! No need to use breadcrumbs or other ingredients that usually make them off-limits for people with dietary restrictions. I don’t recommend substitutions.
Sauce
Coconut sugar. I usually use coconut sugar as the sweetener. I have also had success with honey and regular organic sugar (not paleo). Vinegar. Both apple cider and distilled white vinegar can be used in this recipe. Ketchup. To keep these healthy sweet and sour meatballs paleo, be sure to use a paleo-approved ketchup or this low carb ketchup! If paleo isn’t your thing, any ketchup will work (just please choose an organic variety whose main ingredient is not corn syrup)! Coconut Aminos. If you do not need to keep this recipe paleo, you can substitute soy sauce for the coconut aminos.
If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can see your creations!
