What You’ll Find Here
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links.
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs recipe. This dish combines the flavors of sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce with juicy pineapple and tender meatballs, creating a mouthwatering fusion of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a weeknight dinner, or simply craving a delicious appetizer, these teriyaki pineapple meatballs are sure to impress. Join us as we guide you through the steps of creating this irresistible dish that will leave your guests and family asking for more.
The Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the sweet and savory elements of teriyaki sauce with the tropical sweetness of pineapple. While teriyaki sauce has its origins in Japan, this recipe is a Western adaptation that brings together the best of both worlds. The sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce pairs perfectly with juicy meatballs and the bright, refreshing taste of pineapple. It’s a popular dish in many Western countries and is often served as an appetizer or as part of a main course.
This recipe offers a balance of flavors and textures that make it a crowd-pleaser for parties, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. The combination of teriyaki and pineapple transports your taste buds to a tropical paradise, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a touch of exotic sweetness in their meals.
Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs
Our Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs recipe is a delightful combination of tender meatballs bathed in a homemade teriyaki sauce infused with the tropical sweetness of pineapple. The meatballs are made with a blend of ground meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bite. The teriyaki sauce, with its perfect balance of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar, coats the meatballs, creating a savory and sweet glaze that is simply irresistible. The addition of juicy pineapple chunks adds a refreshing twist, making these meatballs a crowd-pleasing favorite. Whether served as an appetizer or as a main course with rice or noodles, these teriyaki pineapple meatballs are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl: Buy On Amazon
- Baking sheet: Buy On Amazon
- Skillet or saucepan: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon
- Wooden spoon: Buy On Amazon
- Whisk: Buy On Amazon
- Measuring cups and spoons: Buy On Amazon
- Knife and cutting board: Buy On Amazon and Buy On Amazon
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Shape the meat mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the teriyaki sauce. In a skillet or saucepan, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk together until the cornstarch is dissolved.
Heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens and starts to simmer.
Add the pineapple chunks to the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the skillet with the teriyaki sauce and pineapple. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce until they are evenly coated.
Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Serve the teriyaki pineapple meatballs hot, garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
Servings 5
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 363.24kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20.06g31%
- Saturated Fat 7.52g38%
- Trans Fat 1.07g
- Cholesterol 98.61mg33%
- Sodium 1914.26mg80%
- Potassium 436.75mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 23.52g8%
- Dietary Fiber 1.63g7%
- Sugars 11g
- Protein 22.02g45%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Please note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. It's always best to double-check with your specific ingredients and measurements for accurate nutritional information.
Note
Tips and Variations:
- For added heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha sauce over the meatballs.
- Customize the meatballs by adding minced cilantro, green onions, or grated carrots to the meat mixture.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch in the teriyaki sauce.
- Serve the teriyaki pineapple meatballs over a bed of steamed rice or alongside cooked noodles for a complete meal.
- Use fresh pineapple chunks for a burst of tropical flavor, or opt for canned pineapple if fresh is not available.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the teriyaki pineapple meatballs as a delicious appetizer at parties, potlucks, or game nights.
- Pair them with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a satisfying and flavorful main course.
- Use the meatballs to make sliders by placing them on small buns with a slice of pineapple and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.
Allergen Information:
While the Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs are generally allergen-friendly, it's essential to consider individual dietary needs and potential allergens in specific ingredients. Here are some allergen-related points to keep in mind:
Soy Sauce: Traditional teriyaki sauce contains soy sauce, which may contain gluten. If you or your guests have gluten sensitivities or allergies, look for gluten-free soy sauce alternatives.
Meatball Binders: Meatballs typically use breadcrumbs, which may contain wheat gluten. If needed, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or alternative binders like rice flour or cornstarch.
Pineapple: Pineapple is naturally allergen-free, but some individuals may have allergies to tropical fruits. Be mindful of your guests' dietary restrictions.
Wine or Drink Pairing:
The Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs offer a delicious combination of flavors that pair well with a variety of beverages and accompaniments:
Riesling Wine: The fruity and slightly sweet notes of a Riesling wine complement the sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce while providing a refreshing contrast.
Pineapple Juice: Serve the dish with chilled pineapple juice to enhance the tropical flavor profile.
Coconut Water: For a unique twist, pair the meatballs with coconut water, adding a touch of island flair.
Jasmine Tea: The floral and aromatic qualities of jasmine tea create a harmonious contrast with the savory teriyaki sauce.
Steamed Rice: Serve the meatballs over steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal with a balanced flavor profile.
Storage and Leftovers:
If you have leftovers of these Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs, here's how to store and enjoy them later:
Refrigeration: Place any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the meatballs gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until they reach your desired temperature. You may need to add a splash of water or additional teriyaki sauce to prevent drying out.
Freezing: These meatballs can be frozen for longer storage. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Label and date the container and store for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serve with Fresh Pineapple: To refresh the tropical flavors, serve leftover meatballs with fresh pineapple chunks or a pineapple salsa.
