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For tasty pineapple teriyaki meatballs, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you'll use: - 1 lb ground chicken or turkey - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 egg, beaten - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create juicy meatballs with a burst of flavor. The fresh pineapple adds sweetness, while the garlic and ginger give a nice kick. Next, you’ll make a delicious teriyaki sauce. Gather these items: - 1/3 cup soy sauce - 1/3 cup pineapple juice - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening) - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish) - Additional chopped green onions (for garnish) This sauce enhances the meatballs and gives them a glossy finish. The mix of soy sauce and pineapple juice creates a sweet and salty balance. Garnishes can elevate your dish. Consider adding: - Sesame seeds - Chopped green onions You can serve the meatballs over rice or noodles. This adds bulk and makes your meal more filling. Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors that come with these garnishes! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with a large mixing bowl. Add 1 lb of ground chicken or turkey. Next, mix in 1 cup of breadcrumbs. Chop 1/4 cup of green onions and add them to the bowl. Finely dice 1/2 cup of fresh pineapple, then toss it in. Mince 2 cloves of garlic and add them too. Beat 1 egg and pour it in the mixture. Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of grated ginger, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Mix everything until well blended and sticky. Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake the meatballs for 15 to 20 minutes. They should turn golden brown and be fully cooked. While the meatballs bake, it’s time to make the teriyaki sauce. Grab a small saucepan and combine 1/3 cup of soy sauce with 1/3 cup of pineapple juice. Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and bring this mix to a simmer over medium heat. Once it simmers, stir in a mix of 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove it from heat when done. Once the meatballs are out of the oven, toss them in the teriyaki sauce until they are fully coated. To shape meatballs, start with clean hands. Use a small scoop or your hands to grab a bit of the meat mixture. Roll it gently into a ball about 1 inch wide. Keep the size even for cooking. This helps them cook evenly. If the mixture feels sticky, wet your hands with water. This will stop the meat from sticking to your hands. Baking meatballs gives a nice, even cook. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay them out on parchment paper to avoid sticking. Bake for 15-20 minutes. They will turn golden brown and stay juicy. Frying can give a crisp outside but may use more oil. If you choose to fry, cook them in a hot pan and turn them often. Both methods work well, but baking is simpler. To keep meatballs juicy, add moisture to the mix. Fresh pineapple is great for this! The egg helps bind and adds moisture, too. Don’t overmix the meat; this can make them tough. Use ground chicken or turkey, as they are leaner meats. Cook them just until done. Overcooking can dry them out. Tossing them in teriyaki sauce after baking also adds more flavor and moisture. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh pineapple and high-quality ground chicken or turkey. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall taste of the meatballs. Mix Gently: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can make the meatballs tough. Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more brown sugar. For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce. Perfect Meatball Size: Aim for uniform meatball sizes to ensure even cooking. Using a cookie scoop can help achieve consistent portions. {{image_2}} You can swap ground chicken or turkey with other meats. Ground beef adds a rich flavor. Ground pork brings a savory touch. You can also use ground lamb for a unique twist. If you prefer poultry, try ground duck. Each option changes the flavor but keeps it tasty. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based meat alternatives. Look for brands that mimic ground meat. You can also use finely chopped mushrooms and lentils as a base. This mix adds texture and flavor. For a vegan option, replace the egg with flaxseed or chia seeds. This keeps your meatballs binding well. You can enhance the teriyaki sauce with different flavors. Add chili flakes for some heat. A splash of sriracha brings a spicy kick. For a sweeter sauce, mix in honey or maple syrup. You can also use coconut aminos for a soy-free option. Each variation makes the dish uniquely yours. To store leftover meatballs, first let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover them well to keep them fresh. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. When you want to eat the leftovers, you can heat them in a few ways. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave them. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover them. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking often. If you want to freeze meatballs, let them cool completely first. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. For the sauce, let it cool, then pour it into a separate container. You can freeze the sauce for about two months. To use, thaw both in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps your dish tasty and ready for another meal. Yes, you can use different meats. Ground beef or pork works well. You can even try lamb for a unique flavor. Each meat brings its own taste. Just note that cooking times may vary a bit. Adjust your cooking time based on the meat you choose. To thicken the sauce, use cornstarch. Mix one teaspoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water. Stir it into the sauce while it simmers. This will help it become glossy and thick. Let it simmer for a minute or two after adding the mix. If it's still too thin, add a bit more cornstarch mix. Pineapple teriyaki meatballs pair well with rice. White rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice work great. You can also serve them with steamed vegetables. Broccoli or snap peas add nice color and crunch. For a fresh touch, try a simple salad. A side of coleslaw can also be a tasty choice. In this blog post, we covered the main ingredients for Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs, including the teriyaki sauce and optional garnishes. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you prepare the meatballs, bake them, and make the sauce. I also provided tips for perfect meatballs and some tasty variations. Now, you can enjoy this dish in many ways, whether you're cooking for family or a crowd. Dive in, experiment, and savor the flavors of your creation!

Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs

Delicious meatballs made with ground chicken or turkey, fresh pineapple, and a savory teriyaki sauce.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 2 cup fresh pineapple, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 3 cup soy sauce for sauce
  • 1 3 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
  • to taste additional chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken (or turkey), breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, diced pineapple, minced garlic, beaten egg, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the 1/3 cup soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  • After the sauce starts to simmer, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
  • Once the meatballs are finished baking, toss them in the teriyaki sauce until fully coated.
  • Serve the coated meatballs hot, garnished with sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions.

Notes

Serve hot and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Keyword chicken, meatballs, pineapple, teriyaki, turkey