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Home > Filipino Recipes

Sweet and Sour Meatballs-Filipino Style

BY :Bebs | Published: 08/23/ 2020 | Updated:08/24/ 2020 | 32 Comments

RECIPE VIDEO PRINT
4.92 from 12 votes
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Perfectly fried meatballs simmered in an amazing sweet and sour sauce. This Sweet and Sour Meatball can be served as an hors d'oeuvre or as a main dish with steaming hot rice!

Meatballs Agre Dulce

These ground meat rolled into balls that can be seasoned with different herbs and spices are one of the things that is great to have in your arsenal. They are simple and easy to make and easily a crowd-pleaser.

In the Philippines, meatballs are fondly called "bola-bola". The word "bola" literally translates to ball (no need for further explanation, I guess). It is common to add bola-bola to soups or enjoy it as is. But another favorite way to have it is to simmer it in sweet and sour sauce.

These sweet and sour meatballs are first deep-fried until nicely browned and then simmered in the sauce for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavor of the sauce to seep into the meatballs. It is usually served with steamed rice as the main dish but can also be an appetizer for parties.

meatballs

What is in the sauce?

The Filipino sweet and sour sauce, Agre Dulce, just like the Italian's Agrodolce combines sweet and sour elements like vinegar and sugar. It is derived from Spanish terms Agrio, meaning sour and Dulce, meaning sweet.

Unlike its Italian counterpart, where the sauce is reduced until sticky, ours is made thick by adding cornstarch. Tomato or banana ketchup is also typically added that gives it its orange-red hue. To give more flavor, pineapple, carrots, bell peppers, onions, and Labuyo chili are also commonly added.

Aside from using it to cook meat in like Escabeche, you will see this used as a dipping sauce for snacks like Ukoy, fried spring rolls, Kwek-kwek, fishballs, and Calamares.

Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Foxy Tips for a Delicious Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Choosing your meat- as mentioned above, you can choose from different meat sources when making your meatballs. Remember though that fattier meats like pork and beef will turn out to be more tender after frying. If you want to use chicken, make sure to not overcook as it will turn tough.

Use a light hand- do not pack your meatballs too tightly! Make sure that you secure it enough to keep the shape but not too compressed that the flavors and sauce do not seep through anymore. A good tip is to lightly oil your hands when rolling so it does not stick to your skin therefore, you can shape them easier.

No to over mixing- do not be too energetic when mixing the meat with seasoning and binders! Use your hands when mixing and just do it enough until all ingredients are evenly distributed. You don't want to turn it into a mushy mess and lose all its texture.

Storing your meatballs- the great thing about meatballs is that you can make them in advance and cook them later! Just put them in a lidded container and freeze. Heat them later on when you are in the mood for more.

Fried meatballs simmered in sweet and sour sauce

Made too much of the good thing? Here are some recipes to consider:

swedish-meatballs
This Swedish Meatball recipe is one of those recipes that you simply must try. Meaty and juicy meatballs smothered in delectable creamy gravy sauce.
Almondigas Soup Recipe
Almondigas or “bola-bola” soup is classic Filipino comfort food. It is a dish made of meatballs and misua with patola (sponge gourd) added most of the time.
Special Siopao Bola-Bola with salted egg and Chinese sausage
Sweet steamed buns with minced pork filling. This Siopao Bola-Bola is the Filipino version of Steamed Pork Buns. Made extra special with the addition of salted eggs and Chinese sausage.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Print Review

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

4.92 from 12 votes
Perfectly fried meatballs simmered in an amazing sweet and sour sauce. This Sweet and Sour Meatball can be served as an hors d'oeuvre or as a main dish with steaming hot rice!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hr
Course :Main Course
Servings =4
Print Recipe Rate this Recipe

Ingredients
 

For MEATBALLS

  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 medium onion - chopped finely
  • 1 small carrots - finely diced
  • ½ cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt - adjust as needed
  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper - adjust as needed
  • ⅛ cup grated Parmesan - or grated cheese (optional)
  • oil - for frying

FOR SAUCE

  • 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • ½ cup vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch - dissolved in 1 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 small onion - cut into 4 parts
  • 1 small carrots - half cut into strips, half into flowers
  • ½ cup bell pepper - cut into squares
  • ½ cup pineaplple tidbits

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine all ingredients for the meatballs and mix them well using your hands. Form balls for about 1 ½ inch diameter using both hands.
  • Add oil to a pan high enough to cover the meatballs at least half-way through. Cook the meatballs in hot oil until nicely browned on both sides. Remove the meatballs from the oil and place on a plate or colander. Set aside.
  • While waiting for the meatballs to fry, you can prepare the sauce. In a large pan, heat oil on high. Stir fry and carrots strips for about 1-2 minutes, do not overcook.
  • Turn heat to low. Add vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper and pour in water with cornstarch and ketchup. Stir until combined and sugar is dissolved. Now add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and let it simmer until sauce thickens for about 3-5 minutes. Add bell peppers, onion, pineapple, and carrot flowers and cook for another 2 minutes.
  • Transfer Sweet and Sour Meatballs to your serving dish. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 504kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 25gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 1432mgPotassium: 574mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 4920IUVitamin C: 29mgCalcium: 89mgIron: 3.5mg
Have you tried this recipe?Mention @foxyfolksy or tag #FoxyFolksyRecipes!

This recipe was originally published in March 2017. Updated in August 2020 to include new photos, more tips, and a recipe video.

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Reader Interactions

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  1. Paris Rittenour says

    August 31, 2021 at 8:23 pm

    i love this 🙂

    Reply
  2. Jonah says

    January 10, 2021 at 11:39 pm

    5 stars
    Its perfect! Thank you for sharing. Instead of frying the meatballs, I used airfryer and it turn out good.

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      May 15, 2021 at 3:44 am

      Great idea, Johah! Thanks for the 5 stars.

      Reply
  3. RJ Angeles says

    October 05, 2020 at 5:47 pm

    5 stars
    yummy. thanks for the recipe..

    Reply
  4. NGON says

    September 22, 2020 at 3:47 pm

    5 stars
    Love, love, LOVE this! I made a couple of adjustments per my preference.

    Reply
  5. Sherry says

    September 19, 2020 at 11:28 am

    5 stars
    I love this! Tried sweet and sour sauce several
    times but this recipe is the best! Thanks for sharing! Your website is my go to for recipes!

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      November 20, 2020 at 11:28 pm

      Aaaww that is so sweet of you to say, Sherry.

      Reply
  6. Sherry says

    September 15, 2020 at 12:34 pm

    5 stars
    Winner! Doubled the recipe and used half of the meatballs for your swedish meatballs and both taste good!

    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      November 18, 2020 at 11:53 pm

      So glad you like them both, Sherry!

      Reply
  7. Julie says

    August 24, 2020 at 3:44 pm

    5 stars
    Can’t wait to try your Bolo Bolo meatballs.

    Reply
  8. Michelle says

    August 07, 2019 at 3:50 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you for this recipe. Just what I was looking for: simple, but yummy! Reminded me of my childhood days when this was one of my favourite "ulam". Thank you!

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      August 08, 2019 at 10:14 am

      Hi Michelle. Happy that you like it and thanks for the 5 stars...

      Reply
  9. Glinda M Mabalay says

    June 06, 2019 at 10:26 am

    4 stars
    I tried this recipe for the first time tonight. It was really good overall and I plan to use it again. However, the meatballs were a bit salty for us. I double checked the recipe and use 1 tablespoon salt. I will probably cut that in half the next time I make it.

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      June 07, 2019 at 2:29 pm

      Hi Glinda, it is a teaspoon and not a tablespoon. I think it was an error made during our transfer from one recipe card plugin to the new one. Really sorry about that and I am glad for your comment. It is now adjusted...

      Reply
  10. Abby says

    March 28, 2019 at 5:41 pm

    Hi Bebs, I just want to ask what ketchup do you use for this recipe? The filipino brand ketchup or any ketchup will do?
    Btw, i have been following your food blogs and i am a fan 🙂 Thanks for sharing your recipes!

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      March 29, 2019 at 9:13 am

      Hi Abby, you can use either just note that tomato ketchup is sourer than banana but you are making sweet and sour so...😉

      Reply
  11. Liza van Linder says

    February 21, 2019 at 4:05 pm

    5 stars
    Great recipe! It's a keeper!!

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      February 24, 2019 at 10:55 am

      Thanks, Liza, for the comment and stars...

      Reply
  12. Norma Cabigon says

    January 15, 2019 at 1:32 pm

    Perfect! At last I found a recipe so perfect to my test. I'm not good in cooking but now I got interest to cooking. Based on your recipes. I am now looking for a notebook to copy your recipe that I have tried to cook for Mt self. So simple but tasty and yummmmmmy

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      January 15, 2019 at 3:49 pm

      That is great to hear Norma. You can also print the recipes by clicking the print button so you will not have to write them.

      Reply
  13. Loren says

    October 26, 2017 at 9:16 pm

    Hi Bebs, its me again.. ???? I've tried this one too. Actually, I have done this several times already because my husband been constantly asking me to make this very now and then..lol..even my 11 y/o daughter enjoys this too. Thanks so much for sharing your delicious recipes.. ????????????

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      October 27, 2017 at 7:22 am

      Nice to hear from you again Loren and happy to hear that your family is loving our recipes...????

      Reply
  14. Caroline says

    March 08, 2017 at 3:42 pm

    5 stars
    Hello Bebs, I always use dry bread crumbs as binder for meatballs. I will try your recipe using flour instead. Love your recipe photos. They all look appetizing.

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      March 08, 2017 at 7:49 pm

      Thanks for the nice comment, Caroline and I do hope you like them.

      Reply
  15. Zara says

    March 08, 2017 at 5:42 am

    I tried this last night and it was an instant hit to my husband and toddler. Can you please also try the one pot lasagna without using an oven? Thank you 🙂

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      March 08, 2017 at 12:49 pm

      Glad you and your family liked it, Zara! I will write your request down on my list and will try my best to make a really good no-oven one pot lasagna! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Dolly says

    February 04, 2016 at 6:08 pm

    Tried your Ube Haleya recipe and indeed delicious according to all who tasted it. Thanks again for sharing.

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      February 04, 2016 at 10:11 pm

      I am glad to hear it Dolly...

      Reply
  17. meliza (jojo) Baldriche says

    September 10, 2015 at 9:17 am

    thank you for sharing . I have learn a lot from your site . I just started my filipino cuisine food truck and is tough bu i vow to make it o help me God !!!!!

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      September 10, 2015 at 7:09 pm

      Thanks Meliza and I wish you all the best with your food truck!

      Reply
  18. Irma says

    August 21, 2015 at 12:10 am

    Beb, not only are you a devoted and inspiring homemaker, you also have a grateful, grace-filled heart! I love what you write about your Mom, your husband, your family and friends back home. Needless to say, your recipes and pictures look so yummy. The toffees I baked were Dee-li cious!!! Many many thanks.

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      August 22, 2015 at 4:06 pm

      Aaaawww Irma...what a nice message. Receiving such wonderful comments makes keeping this blog all worthwhile. Thank you very much.

      Reply

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