Sweet and Sour Turkey Meatballs offer a lighter version of a classic takeout dish. The turkey meatballs bake up golden and tender, and the homemade pineapple sauce is quick to make and full of sweet, tangy flavor. This meal is flavorful, simple enough for busy nights, and goes well with rice, quinoa, or roasted veggies.

The homemade sauce is the highlight of this recipe. Pineapple juice, maple syrup, vinegar, and soy sauce come together for a classic sweet-and-sour taste, all without using bottled sauces. The dish is balanced, sweet, tangy, savory, and great for families.

Another easy way to use ground turkey is my Buffalo Turkey Meatballs that are perfect for weeknights, but can also be served up as a tasty app. 

Why You’ll Love These Sweet and Sour Turkey Meatballs

• Better-for-you version of a takeout classic
• High in protein and easy to make
• Baked instead of fried
• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Great for meal prep and leftovers

Ingredients Needed

For the Meatballs

• Ground turkey: A lean source of protein that stays tender when baked.
• Ground ginger: Adds warmth and complements the sweet-and-sour sauce.
• Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. 

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce

• Pineapple juice: Provides natural sweetness and tropical flavor.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce into a glossy coating.
• Maple syrup: Adds sweetness while complementing the pineapple.
• Apple cider vinegar: Creates the signature tangy flavor.
• Soy sauce or tamari: Adds savory umami and balances the sweetness.

How to Make Turkey Meatballs with Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently until just combined.

Form the mixture into meatballs about 1½ to 2 inches in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.

While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice and cornstarch until smooth.

Add ⅓ cup water, maple syrup, and the pineapple juice mixture into a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until combined.

Add the apple cider vinegar and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, whisking frequently, until thickened.

Serve the meatballs with the sauce drizzled over the top or on the side for dipping.

Helpful Tips

• Mix the turkey gently to keep the meatballs tender.
• Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs.
• Allow the sauce to come to a boil for proper thickening.
• Double the sauce if serving over rice or noodles.

Substitutions and Variations

• Ground chicken or ground beef can be used instead of turkey.
• Honey can replace the maple syrup.
• Tamari works well as a gluten-free option.
• Fresh ginger can be substituted for ground ginger.
• Add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a complete meal.
• Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes. The meatballs can be baked and refrigerated for up to 3 days before serving.

Can I freeze them?

Absolutely. Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat with the sauce.

What should I serve with sweet and sour turkey meatballs?

Rice, brown rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, steamed vegetables, or stir-fried vegetables all pair well.

Can I use bottled sweet and sour sauce?

You can, but the homemade version is simple to make and allows you to control the ingredients and sweetness.

How do I know when the meatballs are done?

Turkey meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

More Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipes:

• Smoked Mackerel Salad
• Vegetable Stromboli
• Vegan Stuffed Tomatoes
• Creamy Tomato Orzo

Sweet and Sour Turkey Meatballs

These baked sweet and sour turkey meatballs are tender, flavorful, and coated in a homemade pineapple sauce that's perfectly sweet and tangy. An easy weeknight dinner that's healthier than takeout.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 6 ounces pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce or tamari

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with oil spray.
• In a bowl, gently mix together turkey, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Shape into balls roughly 1.5-2 inch meatballs and place on prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 20 minutes till golden brown.
• While meatballs are cooking, prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together pineapple juice and cornstarch.
• In a saucepan over medium heat, 1/3 cup water, maple syrup, and pineapple juice and cornstarch mixture and mix well. Whisk in vinegar and soy sauce and bring to a boil. Cook until sauce thickens, 2-3 minutes, whisking as necessary.
• When meatballs are cooked, serve with sauce (on top of meatballs or on the side).

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