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To make Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs, you will need the following items: - 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro - 1 large egg - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ginger powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup canned pineapple chunks (in juice) - 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil You can customize your meatballs with these optional ingredients: - Diced bell peppers for extra crunch - Chopped jalapeños for heat - Crushed red pepper for a spicy kick - Different cheeses like mozzarella or feta - Herbs like parsley or basil for fresh notes When choosing your ingredients, keep these tips in mind: - Look for ground meat that is bright red and firm. - Choose breadcrumbs that are fresh and dry. - For green onions, select ones that are bright green with no wilting. - Fresh cilantro should be vibrant with no brown spots. - Ensure the pineapple chunks are in juice, not syrup, for a fresher taste. Using quality ingredients makes a big difference in flavor and enjoyment! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, green onions, cilantro, an egg, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, mix these together. You want to blend them well to make a tasty meatball. The egg helps bind the mixture, while the breadcrumbs add texture. I like to use fresh herbs for extra flavor. Once the mixture is ready, take a small handful and roll it into a ball. Aim for about one inch in size. Place each meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes. You know they are done when they turn brown and are fully cooked. While your meatballs bake, it’s time to make the glaze. In a small saucepan, add pineapple chunks, sweet chili sauce, and sesame oil. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir it gently for about five to seven minutes. The glaze should be warm and slightly thickened. Once your meatballs are out of the oven, toss them in this delicious glaze. Coat them well for the best flavor. To make great meatballs, you need the right mix. Use equal parts meat and binder. I like to add breadcrumbs for texture. It keeps them soft and juicy. Fresh herbs add a nice touch. Green onions and cilantro give a fresh flavor. Don’t forget salt and pepper; they enhance all the tastes. Mix everything gently. Over-mixing makes them tough. Baking meatballs evenly is key. First, make them all the same size. Aim for one-inch balls for even cooking. Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps them not stick and makes cleanup easy. Make sure to space them out. This allows heat to circulate. I bake mine at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. Check that they are golden brown and cooked through. Garnishing makes your dish pop! I love adding extra chopped cilantro on top. It looks fresh and bright. Sliced green onions also add color and crunch. For a sweet touch, you can serve extra pineapple chunks on the side. If you want a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes. These ideas make your meatballs party-ready and tasty! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, try to use fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions instead of dried ones. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer more heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sweet chili glaze. Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them. Just bake them fresh when you're ready to serve. Serve with Rice: These meatballs pair wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can switch the meat to chicken or turkey. This change keeps the dish light and tasty. For a vegetarian option, use a mix of beans and grains. You can also try lentils or chickpeas. Just mash them well and follow the same steps. Each choice gives a different flavor but stays delicious. While sweet chili sauce shines in this recipe, feel free to explore other sauces. Teriyaki sauce adds a sweet and savory twist. Barbecue sauce gives it a smoky flavor, perfect for summer parties. You can also mix in some hot sauce for a spicy kick. Experimenting with these sauces can lead to new favorites. Serving matters! You can make fun skewers by threading meatballs and pineapple on sticks. This makes eating easy and fun. For a more elegant touch, arrange the meatballs on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs and lime wedges. Serve with toothpicks for a simple appetizer that guests will love. To keep your Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down to room temperature first. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers of meatballs if you stack them. This prevents sticking. Store in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the meatballs carefully. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them moist and tasty. You can also microwave them for a quick fix. Just cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Freezing is a great way to save time. To freeze meatballs, first, allow them to cool completely. Then, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for about an hour until firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can pull out just what you need. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. To add heat, use more sweet chili sauce. You can also mix in crushed red pepper flakes. Try adding fresh chopped jalapeños for a kick. You may even use spicy chili sauce instead of sweet chili. Adjust to your taste for the right spice level. Yes, fresh pineapple works great! Just cut it into small chunks. If you use fresh, add a little juice or water for moisture. Fresh pineapple adds a bright, juicy flavor. This choice can make your dish feel even fresher and more vibrant. Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs shine with many sides. You can serve them with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas add color and crunch. A simple salad with a light dressing balances the sweetness. Also, consider serving them on skewers for a fun appetizer! You learned how to make Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs with fresh ingredients and tasty variations. We covered everything from prepping the meatballs to choosing the right flavors. You also received tips for storage and reheating. These meatballs can be customized with different proteins and sauces to fit your taste. With these easy steps, you can enjoy a fun and flavorful dish. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple recipe!

Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet chili pineapple glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup finely chopped green onions
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ginger powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup canned pineapple chunks (in juice)
  • 0.5 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped green onions, cilantro, egg, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Form the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked and browned.
  • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sweet chili pineapple glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the pineapple chunks along with the sweet chili sauce and sesame oil. Stir and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture is heated through and slightly thickened.
  • Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and gently toss them in the sweet chili pineapple glaze until they are well coated.
  • Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with additional chopped cilantro and green onions, if desired.

Notes

Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and green onions if desired.
Keyword meatballs, pineapple, sweet chili