Keto Sweet & Sour Meatballs (2024)

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!

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 mymeatball 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!

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

Easy meatball steps

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!

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

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.

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!

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 KetoSweet & Sour Meatballsor any other recipe on the blog please let me know in the comments below!

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📖 Recipe