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- 1 lb ground chicken or turkey - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced - 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce The main ingredients create a tasty base for your meatballs. Ground chicken or turkey keeps them light and healthy. Fresh pineapple adds sweetness and freshness. Teriyaki sauce gives a rich flavor that brings everything together. - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil These pantry staples help bind the meatballs. Breadcrumbs give them a nice texture. Soy sauce adds depth, while sesame oil gives a nutty taste. - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ginger powder Fresh additions make your meatballs pop with flavor. Green onions and cilantro add freshness. Garlic and ginger powder give a warm, aromatic taste. These ingredients help create a dish that feels special and homemade. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken or turkey, breadcrumbs, green onion, cilantro, beaten egg, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to blend everything well. You want a smooth mix for best results. Next, roll the mixture into small meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. This size cooks evenly. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are spaced apart for even cooking. Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for browning the meatballs. Once the oven is hot, slide in your baking sheet. Bake the meatballs for around 15 to 20 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and cooked through. A good way to check is to cut one in half. If the inside is no longer pink, they are done. While the meatballs bake, let’s make the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and diced pineapple. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir as it heats to mix the flavors. When the sauce begins to bubble, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This step helps deepen the flavors of the sauce. Once the meatballs are ready, take them out of the oven. Add them to the saucepan with the sauce. Toss them gently to coat each meatball evenly. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the meatballs to soak up the sauce flavor. For the best meatball texture, you want a mix that is moist but not soggy. It should hold its shape well. If your mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs. If it’s too dry, a splash of water can help. Common mistakes include overmixing the meat. This can lead to tough meatballs. Always mix just until combined. Also, make sure your meatballs are uniform in size. This ensures even cooking. You can adjust the sweetness of your teriyaki sauce by adding more or less pineapple. If you want more saltiness, add a bit more soy sauce. For a spicy kick, try adding chili flakes or sriracha. Just a little can bring a great depth of flavor without overpowering the dish. Presentation matters! Serve your pineapple teriyaki meatballs over a bed of steamed jasmine rice. This not only looks great but also soaks up the sauce. For sides, steamed broccoli or snap peas work well. They add color and nutrition to your meal. You can also garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flair. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pineapple adds a vibrant flavor and sweetness that canned pineapple cannot replicate. Opt for ripe, juicy fruit for the best results. Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or teriyaki sauce for a spicy twist. Cook Evenly: Ensure that all meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking. Use a cookie scoop for consistent portions. Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them. Just bake them fresh when you're ready to enjoy this dish! {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this recipe. Ground beef works well for a richer flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using lentils or chickpeas. Both can create tasty meatballs. They add a nice texture and flavor. This swap makes the dish fun and versatile. Add some herbs or spices to change the taste. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can also mix in some fresh basil or mint for a fragrant twist. A dash of lime juice can brighten the dish, too. These simple changes keep the recipe exciting and new. If you need a gluten-free meal, swap the breadcrumbs. You can use almond flour or crushed rice cereal instead. For the soy sauce, select a gluten-free brand. Many stores offer these options now. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious meatballs without worry. To keep your pineapple teriyaki meatballs fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. They stay good for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to separate the meatballs from the sauce if you want to keep the texture better. This helps avoid sogginess. You can also store the sauce in a different container. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Let the meatballs cool completely before freezing. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can also freeze the teriyaki sauce separately. It lasts about 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to label your bags with the date. When you're ready to enjoy your meatballs again, reheat them carefully. You can use the microwave for quick reheating. Place them on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm. For a crispier texture, use the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place meatballs on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes. If you thawed the sauce, heat it separately on the stove over low heat. This keeps the flavors rich and tasty. Yes, you can use frozen pineapple. Frozen pineapple is often picked at peak ripeness. It locks in flavor and nutrients. This makes it a great choice for teriyaki meatballs. Just thaw it before using. Frozen pineapple may be softer than fresh. This works well in the sauce but can change the texture of the meatballs. If you want a crisp bite, stick to fresh pineapple. The meatballs last about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. If you store them properly, they will stay safe to eat within this time frame. Always check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying leftovers. If they smell off or look unusual, it’s best to toss them. Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to a day. This helps the flavors blend well. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to freeze them raw or cooked. If frozen raw, cook them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. This way, you can enjoy fresh meatballs whenever you want. This blog post covered tasty meatballs with a tropical twist. We explored main ingredients like ground chicken and pineapple, plus teriyaki sauce. I provided steps for mixing, baking, and making the sauce. Tips helped with meatball consistency and flavor. We also discussed variations and storage ideas. In closing, these meatballs are fun and easy to make. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving them your way! Happy cooking!

Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs

Delicious meatballs made with ground chicken or turkey, coated in a sweet and savory pineapple teriyaki sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ginger powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
  • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken or turkey, breadcrumbs, green onion, cilantro, beaten egg, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Roll the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake meatballs in the preheated oven for around 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
  • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the teriyaki sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and diced pineapple. Heat over medium heat until it begins to bubble, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Once meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and add them to the saucepan with the teriyaki sauce. Toss to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce.
  • Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Notes

Serve over steamed jasmine rice, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Keyword chicken, meatballs, pineapple, teriyaki, turkey