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Hawaiian Meatballs

These Hawaiian meatballs are blissfully juicy, packed with a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, and topped with a homemade pineapple teriyaki sauce, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatball Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey) You can use a mix for juiciness or opt for ground chicken for a healthier choice.
  • 1/2 cup Bread crumbs Use plain or seasoned. Gluten-free option: almond flour or gluten-free bread crumbs.
  • 1 large Egg Acts as a binder; substitute with a flax egg for a vegan option.
  • 1 cup Pineapple chunks Fresh or drained canned pineapple.
  • 1 small Onion, finely chopped Shallots work as a milder substitute.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup Soy sauce Use low-sodium or tamari for gluten-free.
  • 2 tbsp Brown sugar Coconut sugar can be a substitute.
  • 1/2 cup Pineapple juice Orange juice can be used for variation.
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch Arrowroot powder is a suitable alternative.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 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.
  3. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cooking
  1. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly browned.
  2. Meanwhile, make the sauce by combining pineapple juice, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer until thickened, stirring regularly.
  3. Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the sauce to coat completely.
  4. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

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, consider adding chopped green onions or bell peppers to the meatball mixture. Use a cookie scoop to ensure all your meatballs are the same size for even cooking. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to adjust the consistency.