Flavorful Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe Ever

My kitchen experiments with these delightful hawaiian meatballs always spark joy and culinary excitement.

Sweet and tangy flavors dance across every perfectly seasoned bite.

Juicy ground beef mingles with unexpected tropical ingredients that surprise your palate.

Chunks of pineapple add unexpected brightness to each tender morsel.

Warm spices create a magical blend that transports you to island paradise.

Comfort meets adventure in this simple yet remarkable dish.

Come savor a recipe that promises to delight and inspire your next meal.

Top Tips for Juicy Hawaiian Meatballs

• Bake Perfectly: Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 160F internal temperature for safe, juicy results every time.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast sesame seeds before sprinkling to release their nutty essence and enhance overall dish complexity.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust cornstarch slurry gradually to prevent over-thickening, adding small amounts until desired sauce texture is achieved.
• Swap Protein Options: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meatball version without sacrificing taste and texture.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare meatballs and sauce separately, storing them in refrigerator for up to 3 days, which helps maintain optimal texture and freshness.

Best Practices for Storing Hawaiian Meatballs

• Store leftover Hawaiian meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the sauce and meatballs together to maintain moisture.
• Seal meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Warm meatballs in a preheated 350F oven, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly, preventing dryness by adding a splash of extra sauce.
• Reheat individual portions in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent tough meatballs.

Hawaiian Meatballs: Why They’re Always a Crowd Favorite

• These Hawaiian meatballs deliver a crowd-pleasing meal that combines sweet and savory flavors everyone will love.
• Whip up this delightful dish in under 45 minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that even beginner cooks can master.
• Serve as a versatile appetizer with toothpicks or a complete meal over rice, making it ideal for game nights, potlucks, and family gatherings.
• Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping protein types, or adding extra vegetables to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients in Hawaiian Meatballs You Should Know

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Gives rich, hearty foundation for meatballs with balanced fat content. Best with 80/20 meat ratio for juiciness.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind meat and maintains moisture. Panko works great for lighter texture.
• Egg: Natural binder that holds meatball structure together. Fresh eggs recommended.

• Garlic, Onion Powder: Provides deep savory flavor. Fresh minced garlic could be even more potent.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste. Kosher salt preferred for better distribution.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth to meatball mixture. Low sodium version works well.

• Pineapple Juice, Brown Sugar, Ketchup: Creates sweet-tangy Hawaiian-style sauce. Fresh pineapple juice recommended.
• Soy Sauce, Vinegar: Balances sweetness with tangy notes. Rice vinegar works best.
• Bell Peppers: Adds color and slight crunch. Mix red and green for visual appeal.
• Pineapple Chunks: Provides tropical sweetness and texture. Fresh or canned both acceptable.
• Cornstarch: Thickens sauce to perfect consistency. Arrowroot can be substituted.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables. Neutral oils like canola work well.
• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Optional garnish for extra flavor and presentation.

Guide to Making Hawaiian Meatballs Right

Step 1: Prepare Meatball Mixture

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Chopped onion
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix thoroughly until ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 2: Shape and Bake Meatballs

Roll mixture into 1-inch round balls. Place meatballs evenly on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 3: Create Tangy Sauce

• Pineapple juice
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar

Blend until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Saute Vegetables

Heat vegetable oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 5: Combine Sauce and Vegetables

Pour sauce into skillet with peppers. Stir in cornstarch mixture to thicken. Bring sauce to gentle simmer.

Step 6: Add Meatballs and Pineapple

Gently fold baked meatballs and pineapple chunks into sauce. Coat everything evenly. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over steamed rice or with toothpicks as appetizer.

Matching Flavors with Hawaiian Meatballs

• Mix a refreshing mai tai or pineapple mojito that complements the sweet and tangy Hawaiian meatball flavors, echoing the dish's tropical ingredients.
• Select a chilled Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc with slight sweetness that balances the meatballs' rich sauce and cuts through the savory protein.
• Create a light cucumber and green onion salad with rice vinegar dressing to provide a crisp, clean contrast to the warm, saucy meatballs.
• Prepare coconut rice with a hint of ginger that mirrors the Hawaiian-inspired profile and absorbs the delicious sauce perfectly.

Want a New Take on Hawaiian Meatballs? Try These

• Gluten-Free Hawaiian Meatballs: Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour as a binder, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Swap meat for plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat or lentil-based meatballs, maintaining the same Hawaiian sauce and vegetable components.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Substitute brown sugar with monk sweetener, use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, and replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for binding.
• Chicken Hawaiian Meatballs: Replace ground beef with ground chicken or turkey, adjusting cooking time to ensure proper internal temperature while keeping the signature sweet and tangy sauce.

Hawaiian Meatballs FAQ Cheat Sheet

• Are Hawaiian Meatballs spicy?

No, these meatballs are sweet and tangy with a mild flavor profile from pineapple juice, brown sugar, and ketchup. They offer a balanced taste without significant heat.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner protein alternative. Just ensure you adjust cooking time to prevent dryness and maintain similar moisture levels.

• Do I need fresh pineapple for this recipe?

No, you can use canned pineapple chunks. Both fresh and canned pineapple work well. Just drain the canned pineapple before adding to the skillet.

• How do I know the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. Ground beef meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are safely cooked through.

Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hawaiian meatballs deliver a tropical twist to classic comfort food, blending sweet and savory flavors. Pineapple-glazed protein packed with island-inspired zest promises a delightful culinary escape that transports diners straight to paradise.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (500 g) ground beef or pork (or a mix)
• 1 large egg

Binding and Moisture:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 can (20 oz / 435 g) pineapple chunks, juice reserved
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for depth)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Vegetable Components:

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 small onion, cut into chunks

Garnish and Serving:

• Cooked white or brown rice
• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Craft meatballs by thoroughly blending ground meat with complementary seasonings, ensuring uniform mixture without overmixing.
2. Shape uniform spherical portions approximately one inch in diameter, strategically placing them on parchment-lined baking sheet to maintain consistent spacing.
3. Roast meatballs in preheated oven at 400F, allowing exterior to develop golden-brown caramelization while interior cooks completely, approximately 15-18 minutes.
4. Simultaneously prepare sauce by whisking tropical pineapple juice with tangy condiments, creating harmonious sweet-savory liquid base.
5. Sauté vibrant bell peppers in heated skillet until edges become slightly softened and edges develop delicate caramelization.
6. Transform sauce liquid into glossy consistency by introducing cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously to prevent lumping and achieve silky texture.
7. Gently incorporate roasted meatballs and tropical pineapple chunks into simmering sauce, ensuring each morsel becomes luxuriously coated.
8. Allow gentle simmering to marry flavors, warming meatballs thoroughly and reducing sauce to perfect glazing consistency.
9. Elevate presentation by sprinkling delicate green onion ribbons and toasted sesame seeds across surface.
10. Serve atop fluffy steamed rice or arrange elegantly with decorative toothpicks for effortless appetizer enjoyment.

Notes

• Perfectly form meatballs by using slightly wet hands to prevent sticking and ensure uniform size for even cooking.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a lighter, healthier protein option that maintains delicious flavor profile.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting cornstarch slurry gradually – start with less and add incrementally to prevent over-thickening and maintain silky texture.
• Enhance meal prep by making meatballs ahead and freezing before baking, which saves time and allows deeper flavor development during storage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg