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