Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs

$- 1 pound ground chicken (or beef/turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 1/4 cup grated fresh pineapple (drained) - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ginger powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) When I make these Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs, I love how simple the ingredients are. You can use ground chicken, beef, or turkey. Each option brings its own flavor. I prefer chicken for its lightness. The breadcrumbs help the meatballs hold together. They also add a nice texture. Chopped green onions give a fresh taste, while grated pineapple adds sweetness. Be sure to drain the pineapple. This keeps the meatballs from being too wet. For seasonings, I include soy sauce and sesame oil. They add depth to the flavor. Garlic and ginger powder boost the taste even more. A pinch of salt and pepper rounds it out. The teriyaki sauce is the star of the show. You can use store-bought for convenience or make your own if you have time. Both work well and create a sweet, savory glaze. Finally, I love garnishing with fresh pineapple chunks and sesame seeds. They make the dish look inviting and taste amazing. Enjoy these meatballs as a fun family meal or at your next gathering! {{ingredient_image_1}} In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients: - 1 pound ground chicken (or beef/turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 1/4 cup grated fresh pineapple (drained) - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ginger powder - Salt and pepper to taste Mix everything together until it is well combined. This step builds the flavor base for the meatballs. The ground chicken gives a nice texture, while the pineapple adds sweetness. Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the meatballs cook evenly and become golden brown. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Now, form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in size. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them. This helps them cook evenly and prevents sticking. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. They should be golden brown and cooked through. While the meatballs bake, heat 1 cup of teriyaki sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer until it becomes warm. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them into the saucepan. Coat them evenly with the teriyaki sauce. Let them simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the meatballs to soak up all that delicious flavor. These steps create tasty Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs that are ready to impress! For tasty meatballs, you can use different meats. Ground chicken gives a light flavor. Ground beef adds richness. Ground turkey is a leaner choice. Each type brings its own taste to the dish. To keep your meatballs moist, mix the ingredients well. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make them tough. Use fresh pineapple to add moisture and sweetness. The breadcrumbs also help keep the meatballs juicy. You can choose between store-bought and homemade teriyaki sauce. Store-bought is quick and easy. Homemade sauce allows you to control the flavor. If you like a sweeter sauce, add more pineapple juice. You can also try different sauces. Sweet chili sauce adds a nice kick. BBQ sauce can give a smoky flavor. Experiment to find your favorite combination. To impress your guests, serve the meatballs on a large platter. Arrange them neatly for a beautiful look. Scatter fresh pineapple chunks around the meatballs. Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce on top for a shiny finish. For added flair, sprinkle sesame seeds over the meatballs. This gives a nice crunch and makes the dish pop with color. A festive presentation makes every meal feel special. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh pineapple and high-quality ground meats for the best flavor and texture in your meatballs. Adjust Flavor to Taste: Feel free to modify the soy sauce and sesame oil quantities based on your taste preference for a stronger or milder flavor. Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your meatballs while baking; oven temperatures can vary, and overcooking can lead to dryness. Serve with Sides: Pair your meatballs with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables to create a complete meal that balances flavors and textures. {{image_2}} You can make Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs healthier. One great option is to use ground turkey instead of ground chicken or beef. Ground turkey is leaner and still full of flavor. It helps lower the fat content while keeping the meatballs juicy. Another choice is to use gluten-free breadcrumbs and sauces. This makes the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Many brands offer tasty gluten-free options. You can also make your own breadcrumbs from gluten-free bread. To add more flavor, try using crushed red pepper. This spice gives your meatballs a nice kick. You can start with a little and add more to your taste. You can also mix in vegetables like finely grated carrots or bell peppers. These additions add color and nutrition. They blend well with the meat and make the dish even more exciting. When serving Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs, think about side dishes. Steamed rice or quinoa works well. They soak up the teriyaki sauce nicely. You can also serve stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal. For drinks, consider pairing these meatballs with a light soda or iced tea. A sweet drink complements the savory flavors. You can also enjoy a crisp white wine if you prefer something alcoholic. To store leftovers in the fridge, first, let the meatballs cool. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they are sealed well to avoid drying out. If you want to save meatballs for later, freezing is a great option. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the cooled meatballs on it. Freeze them for about one hour until they are firm. Then, transfer the meatballs to a freezer bag. Squeeze out the air to prevent freezer burn. You can store them for up to three months. To reheat without losing moisture, use the oven or stovetop. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. For stovetop, add them to a saucepan with a bit of water or sauce. Heat on low for about 10 minutes, stirring gently. This keeps them juicy and tasty. Yes, you can get a head start on this dish. You can mix the meatball ingredients a day before. Just store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, form the meatballs and bake them. You can also bake the meatballs early and warm them in the sauce later. This saves time and helps the flavors blend well. Ground chicken is my go-to for a lighter option. It keeps the meatballs moist. Ground beef adds a richer flavor, but it can be greasier. Ground turkey is lean and healthy, but it may taste drier. Choose the meat you prefer based on your taste and health goals. To enhance your teriyaki sauce, add fresh ginger or garlic for depth. A splash of rice vinegar can brighten the flavors. For heat, mix in red pepper flakes or sriracha. You can also add a touch of honey for sweetness. These changes can make the sauce truly yours. Yes, they can be gluten-free! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Check your teriyaki sauce for gluten ingredients. Many brands offer gluten-free options. With these swaps, you can enjoy this tasty dish without worry. This blog post detailed how to make delicious Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs. We discussed key ingredients like ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and teriyaki sauce. You learned step-by-step instructions for mixing, shaping, and baking the meatballs. I shared tips on keeping them moist and saucing options for added flavor. You also discovered meal variations and storage tips to enjoy later. Enjoy making these meatballs. Experiment with flavors and have fun!$

Delicious meatballs made with ground chicken and coated in a savory teriyaki sauce, garnished with fresh pineapple and sesame seeds.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup finely chopped green onions
0.25 cup grated fresh pineapple (drained)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ginger powder
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup teriyaki sauce
0.5 cup fresh pineapple chunks (for garnish)
sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, grated pineapple, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in size, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
While the meatballs are baking, add the teriyaki sauce to a saucepan and heat it over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them to the saucepan with teriyaki sauce and coat them evenly. Let them simmer for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
To serve, place the teriyaki-coated meatballs on a platter and garnish with fresh pineapple chunks and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

Serve the meatballs on a large platter arranged neatly with pineapple chunks scattered around. Drizzle some extra teriyaki sauce over the top and sprinkle with additional sesame seeds for a festive look.

Keyword chicken, meatballs, pineapple, teriyaki