Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, look no further than these Hawaiian meatballs! They’re blissfully juicy, packed with flavor, and ready to take on a weeknight dinner without a hitch. Toss them with a homemade pineapple teriyaki sauce and serve them over rice for a delightful meal your whole family will devour. What’s not to love?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- A delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that will brighten up your dinner table.
- Versatile; they can be served as an appetizer, in a sandwich, or over rice.
- Healthy secret: the meatballs can be made with lean meat or swapped for ground turkey for a lighter twist.
- Fun for the whole family—kids will love rolling the meatballs and dipping them in sauce!
Ingredients
- Ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey): Choose a mix for juiciness. Ground chicken is another option if you want a healthier choice.
- Bread crumbs: Helps bind the meatballs. Use plain or seasoned; if gluten-free is needed, you can use almond flour or gluten-free bread crumbs.
- Egg: Acts as a binder for the meatballs, ensuring they hold their shape. If vegan, try a flax egg as a substitute.
- Pineapple chunks: These add sweetness and moisture to the meatballs. You can use fresh or canned; just drain the canned ones well.
- Onion: For flavor, finely chopped. Shallots can also work if you want something milder.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for a robust garlic flavor. Garlic powder is a good alternative in a pinch.
- Soy sauce: Provides savory depth; use low-sodium if you prefer less salt, or tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Brown sugar: Balances the salty soy sauce and enhances the sweetness—coconut sugar is a great substitute.
- Pineapple juice: For an extra punch of flavor. You can also use a splash of orange juice for a twist.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce. Arrowroot powder is a good alternative.
Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, bread crumbs, egg, chopped pineapple, onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly browned.
- While the meatballs are baking, make the sauce. In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Bring it to a gentle simmer until thickened, stirring regularly.
- Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the sauce to coat completely.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture; this keeps them tender and juicy.
- If you don’t have pineapple, diced apples can add a similar sweetness!
- For extra flavor, try adding chopped green onions or bell peppers to the meatball mixture.
- You can use a cookie scoop to ensure all your meatballs are the same size—they will cook evenly that way.
- If the sauce is too thick, just add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
How to Serve
Serve these Hawaiian meatballs over a bed of fluffy white rice or sticky rice for an authentic touch. They’re also fantastic in a sweet Hawaiian bun as sliders. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top, or serve with a side of steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Fridge storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating tips: To reheat, thaw if frozen and warm in the microwave or gently on the stovetop in a bit of sauce until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of meats can work beautifully.
What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
You can substitute with crushed crackers or oats, or even just use extra veggies to bulk them up.
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce to keep them gluten-free.
How spicy are these meatballs?
They’re mild, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the meatball mixture for a kick!
Hawaiian Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, bread crumbs, egg, chopped pineapple, onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly browned.
- Meanwhile, make the sauce by combining pineapple juice, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer until thickened, stirring regularly.
- Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the sauce to coat completely.
- Serve warm and enjoy!