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    Home » Keto

    Keto Sweet And Sour Meatballs

    Published: Dec 29, 2020 Updated: Dec 31, 2020 By: Cassidy Stauffer May contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These keto sweet and sour meatballs are a perfect appetizer that will knock everyone's socks off or can double for dinner when served with some simple sides. They're filling, comforting, easy, and no one will ever guess they're gluten-free, low-carb, and keto!

    overhead shot of keto sweet and sour meatballs in cast iron skillet.
    sweet and sour meatballs in a cast iron skillet.

    I'm always looking for new and exciting recipes because we get tired of having the same 'ol same 'ol thing for dinner.

    So last week when I was planning my grocery list and saw my meatball recipe, I had the idea to use the meatballs and adapt the recipe to make keto sweet and sour meatballs!

    And I'm so happy I did because they turned out SO YUMMY!  

    These keto meatballs are filling, comforting, have a great sweet and sour flavor, and are also Paleo, gluten-free, and nut-free! But don't worry, no one will ever guess they're allergy-friendly and low-carb. It'll be our little secret 😉

    Or if you're looking for more comforting keto dinner recipes, I think you'll love this chili and hamburger soup recipe!

    Or these Instant Pot Turkey Meatballs from Tessa Domestic Diva look yummy too!

    Jump to:
    • The sweetener
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Easy meatball steps
    • Keto sweet and sour sauce
    • Serving suggestions
    • Substitutions
    • 💭 Top tips
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    The sweetener

    To make this recipe low-carb and keto, any keto sweetener will work. However, erythritol tends to crystallize and doesn't dissolve as well as other sweeteners.

    So if you use an erythritol-based sweetener, make sure it's powdered.

    Also, if you use the powdered variety, you may need to add a little extra. This is because powdered sweeteners measure differently than granulated sweeteners.

    I personally prefer xylitol or an allulose/monk fruit blend because they dissolve beautifully and leave zero aftertaste!

    Allulose can also be used, however, it's not quite as sweet as other sweeteners. So if you choose this option, you'll need to add a few extra tablespoons.

    Frequently asked questions

    What should I serve these with?

    These meatballs go great with a side such as cauliflower rice and a side salad for dinner or as an appetizer. Or this Whole Roasted Cauliflower from Evolving Table looks amazing too!

    Can meatballs be frozen?

    Yes! These meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 - 6 months WITHOUT sauce because the sauce doesn't freeze well. To freeze: 1) Place in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. 2) Freeze until frozen. 3) Transfer to a freezer baggie and freeze for 3 to 6 months.

    How do I reheat frozen meatballs?

    Allow to thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat with the sauce in a slow cooker on low or in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through, approximately 20 to 25 minutes.

    Easy meatball steps

    mixed meatball ingredients in mixing bowl
    meatball ingredients in large bowl

    For the meatballs, I use my Keto Meatball Recipe. To see all of my tips and tricks for perfect, juicy meatballs please refer to the post.

    In a large mixing bowl, mix together the egg, crushed pork rinds, onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, salt, pepper, and coconut milk.

    For the coconut milk, I recommend Sprouts, Thai Kitchen, or Native Forest brands because other brands may lend an aftertaste. Don’t store the coconut milk in the fridge, otherwise, it will separate.

    If it does separate, though, simply heat it over low heat until combined.

    If you’re not dairy-free or Whole30, feel free to use heavy cream instead of coconut cream.

    By adding all the ingredients except the beef first, this allows time for the pork rinds to soak up the milk and make the meatballs juicy!

    Then, add the beef and mix by hand, being sure not to overmix!

    cooked meatballs on broiler pan
    cooked meatballs on broiler pan

    After that, roll the meat mixture into 1 ½-inch sized meatballs and place on a greased broiler pan. Be sure not to roll the meatballs too tight or they'll be tough and rubbery!

    Bake at 400 degrees for 18 minutes, or until barely cooked through. Then, crank the oven up to broil, and broil for 2-3 minutes to get some nice caramelization.

    While the meatballs are baking, make the sauce...

    Keto sweet and sour sauce

    keto sweet and sour sauce in white bowl
    sauce ingredients in white bowl

    In a small bowl, mix together the sweetener, white or apple cider vinegar, sugar-free ketchup, garlic salt, and coconut aminos or gluten-free soy sauce. Set aside.

    sautéed onion in skillet
    sauteed onion in skillet

    Heat some oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Once hot, add chopped onion and saute for 3 to 5 minutes, or until tender.

    Then, add the sweet and sour sauce.

    In a small bowl, mix together some arrowroot or tapioca flour with some water. Once the sweet and sour sauce is simmering, add the starch mixture and stir until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.

    Starches aren't usually considered Keto, but since there's so little in the recipe, it barely affects the carb count!

    overhead shot of keto sweet and sour meatballs in cast iron skillet
    overhead shot of meatballs with sauce in cast iron skillet

    Add the meatballs to the pot and gently stir to coat the meatballs with sauce.

    Voila! Now you have super yummy sweet and sour meatballs!!!!! Enjoy 🙂

    Serving suggestions

    These sweet and sour meatballs can be served with a side such as cauliflower rice and a side salad with balsamic vinaigrette or ranch dressing for dinner or served as an appetizer.

    Substitutions

    • Egg-free: Use "flax eggs" instead of eggs. For "flax eggs", combine 3 tablespoon ground flax seeds with 6 tablespoon warm water. Set aside for 3 to 5 minutes, or until thickened before using.
    • Dairy-Free: Use full-fat canned coconut milk instead of heavy cream. For the coconut milk, I recommend Sprouts, Thai Kitchen, or Native Forest brands because other brands may lend an aftertaste. Don’t store the coconut milk in the fridge, otherwise, it will separate. If it does separate, though, simply heat it over low heat until combined.
    • Paleo: Use the dairy-free option above, coconut palm sugar for the sweetener, and paleo-friendly ketchup such as Primal Kitchen.

    💭 Top tips

    • For more information on making perfect meatballs, see my Keto Meatballs Recipe!
    • If you've never used crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs, it's a game-changer! Simply place some pork rinds in a large, resealable baggie and finely crush them with a mallet or rolling pin.
    • For the sweetener, any keto sweetener will work. However, erythritol tends to crystallize and doesn't dissolve as well as other sweeteners. So if you use an erythritol-based sweetener, make sure it's powdered.
    • Starches aren't usually considered Keto, but since there's so little in the recipe, it barely affects the carb count!

    If you’ve tried these Keto Sweet & Sour Meatballs or any other recipe on the blog please let me know in the comments below!

    Craving more? FOLLOW ME on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or E-Mail to find more delicious food!

    📖 Recipe

    overhead shot of keto sweet and sour meatballs in cast iron skillet

    Keto Sweet And Sour Meatballs

    These keto sweet and sour meatballs are amazing. They're filling, comforting, easy, and no one will ever guess they're gluten-free, low-carb, and keto!
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin SaveSaved!
    Add to Meal PlanGo to Collections
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten-Free, grain free, Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes
    Servings: 36 meatballs
    CALORIES :84kcal
    CARBS :5g
    FIBER :4g
    Author: Cassidy Stauffer

    Ingredients

    Meatballs:

    • 1 Lb Ground Pork - or additional beef
    • 1 Lb Ground Beef
    • ⅔ cup Crushed Pork Rinds
    • 3 Cloves Garlic - minced
    • 2 Large Eggs
    • 1 Tbsp. Gluten Free Worchestershire Sauce
    • ¼ cup Heavy Cream
    • ½ tsp. Onion Powder
    • 1 ½ tsp. Sea Salt
    • ¼ tsp. Pepper

    Sweet and Sour Sauce:

    • 2 Tbsp. Coconut Oil - or oil of choice
    • 1 Onion - finely chopped
    • ¾ Cup Monk Fruit/Allulose Sweetener - see notes below for substitutions
    • ½ Cup Distilled White Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
    • ¼ Cup Sugar Free Ketchup
    • 1 tsp. Garlic Salt
    • 1 Tbsp. Coconut Aminos - or Gluten Free Soy Sauce
    • 1 Tbsp. Tapioca Flour + 2 Tbsp. Cold Water
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line grease a broiler pan with oil of choice. I like to line the bottom of my broiler pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup! If you don't have a broiler pan, simply place a greased cooling rack inside of a baking sheet.
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork rinds, eggs, heavy cream, and seasonings. Allow to sit on the counter for 1 or 2 minutes so the pork rinds can soak up the cream. Then, add the meat and mix by hand, being careful not to overmix!
    • Roll meat mixture into 1 ½ inch meatballs and place on prepared broiler pan. Do not roll the meatballs too tightly or they'll be tough and rubbery!
    • Bake for 18 -20 minutes, or until just cooked through. Crank the oven to broil, and broil 2-3 minutes, or until tops start to caramelize. Set aside.

    Keto Sweet And Sour Sauce:

    • In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sweetener, vinegar, ketchup, garlic salt, and coconut aminos. Set aside.
    • Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onions and cook until they are soft and translucent.
    • Add the sweet and sour sauce to the pot with the onions.
    • In a small bowl, combine the arrowroot or tapioca flour and water.
    • Pour the starch mixture into the sauce and stir until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.
    • Add the meatballs to the sauce and gently stir to coat.

    Add Your Own Notes

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Video

    Notes

    • Find the full video on my YouTube channel here: YouTube Meatball Video!
    • For more information on making perfect meatballs, see my Keto Meatballs Recipe!
    • For the low-carb sweetener, any keto sweetener will work. However, erythritol tends to crystallize and doesn't dissolve as well as other sweeteners. So if you use an erythritol-based sweetener, make sure it's powdered. Powdered sweeteners measure differently than granulated, so if you choose this option you may need to add a few extra tablespoons. I personally prefer xylitol or an allulose/monk fruit blend because they dissolve beautifully and leave zero aftertaste! Allulose can also be used, however, it's not quite as sweet as other sweeteners. So if you choose this option, you'll need to add a few extra tablespoons.
    • If using xylitol be careful - it is toxic to dogs!
    • Starches aren't usually considered Keto, but since there's so little in the recipe, it barely affects the carb count!
    • These can be served with a side such as rice or cauliflower rice and a side salad for dinner or as an appetizer.
    • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.
    • To Freeze: Meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 - 6 months WITHOUT sauce because the sauce doesn't freeze well. To freeze: 1) Place in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. 2) Freeze until frozen. 3) Transfer to a freezer baggie and freeze for 3 to 6 months.
    • To reheat frozen meatballs: Allow to thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat with the sauce in a slow cooker on low or in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through, approximately 20 to 25 minutes.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1meatball with sauce | Calories: 84kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 197mg | Potassium: 93mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg

    NET CARBS = Total Carbs - Fiber - Allulose - Xylitol

    Nutritional information is approximate and may vary. Sugar alcohols, xylitol, and allulose are included in the total carbs and fiber.

    Looking for more information on the keto diet? Check out my

    Keto Resources
    Did You Try This Recipe?Mention @CassidysCraveableCreations so I can take a look!

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    Cassidy is a certified keto and intermittent fasting health coach and a mom of two teenagers, one of whom has autism and epilepsy. For the well-being of her family, she serves up easy, kid-approved recipes that are gluten-free and keto with many dairy-free and paleo options. She's passionate about creating healthy, allergy-friendly food that's just as good as the original!

    Read More…

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Lacey says

      June 13, 2022 at 4:10 am

      Is the 5 g carbs for the entire 36 meatballs or for each meatball?

      Reply
      • Cassidy Stauffer says

        June 13, 2022 at 2:00 pm

        Hi Lacey,

        There are 5 carbs and 4 grams of fiber per meatball with sauce, making each meatball 1 net carb. I hope this helps!!!

        XO,
        Cassidy

        Reply
    2. Luci says

      January 19, 2022 at 10:11 pm

      5 stars
      Hi Cassidy
      Love this recipe yummy
      I was wondering where the fiber is coming from.
      Your recipe says it has 4g of fiber in each serving thank you
      XX
      Luci

      Reply
      • Cassidy Stauffer says

        January 21, 2022 at 2:08 pm

        Hi Luci!

        The program I use to calculate nutrition doesn't have a place for sugar alcohol, so the sugar alcohol is included in the fiber so the net carbs are correct. At the very bottom of the recipe card, there is a note about this, but I know it's hard to see! Sorry for the confusion! Hopefully, I can get this fixed one day, but currently I haven't found a nutrition calculator that has a spot for sugar alcohol 🙁

        I hope this helps and I'm happy you like the recipe!!!

        XO,
        Cassidy

        Reply
    3. Laura says

      January 28, 2016 at 10:56 pm

      5 stars
      Hey Cassidy! This is one of my all time FAVORITE recipes! This and your paleo brownies! I love your blog! Thanks for posting! 🙂

      Reply
      • Cassidy says

        January 28, 2016 at 11:45 pm

        YAY, thanks Laura!!!! This made my day, I'm happy you like them so much 🙂

        XO,
        Cassidy

        Reply
    4. Laura says

      July 28, 2015 at 8:32 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of my favorite recipes ever. I've made it MANY times. DELICIOUS!!!!!!!

      Reply
      • Cassidy says

        July 28, 2015 at 9:57 pm

        YAY!!! Thanks so much Laura, I'm happy you like it 🙂 🙂

        XO,
        Cassidy

        Reply
    5. Andrea Wyckoff says

      May 01, 2015 at 1:39 am

      Wow Cassidy!

      These sound so good! I could seriously gobble them up in they were in front of me right now. Looking forward to trying your recipe!

      xx
      Andrea

      Reply
      • Cassidy says

        May 01, 2015 at 1:20 pm

        Thanks Andrea! I hope you like them as much as we do... the 4 of us ate every single meatball in one sitting!!!

        XO,
        Cassidy

        Reply
    6. Shirley @ gfe & All Gluten-Free Desserts says

      April 30, 2015 at 3:26 pm

      As I said earlier, Cassidy, these meatballs look amazing! I look forward to making them for my friends who love sweet and sour recipes. 🙂

      xo,
      Shirley

      Reply
      • Cassidy says

        May 01, 2015 at 1:18 pm

        Thanks Shirley! Let me know if you get a chance to make them 😉

        Reply
    7. Nancy says

      April 27, 2015 at 4:28 pm

      I always seem to have a hard time thinking up Paleo appetizer ideas, but these sound perfect. Will be trying this recipe soon!

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Cassidy! I'm a certified keto and intermittent fasting coach and am a mom of two teenagers, one of whom has autism and epilepsy. For the well-being of my family, I serve up easy, kid-approved recipes that are gluten-free and keto with many dairy-free and paleo options. I'm passionate about creating healthy, allergy-friendly food that's just as good as the original!

    More about me →

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