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To make Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs, gather these key ingredients: - 1 pound ground chicken (or turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 small carrot, grated - 1 tablespoon garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced - 1 egg, beaten - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained) - 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Sesame seeds for garnish - Extra green onions for garnish These ingredients create a flavorful blend. Ground chicken or turkey makes the meatballs juicy. The breadcrumbs help them hold together. Green onions add freshness, while garlic and ginger bring warmth. You can customize your meatballs with these options: - Add red pepper flakes for spice - Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch - Mix in chopped bell peppers for color - Substitute with ground beef or pork These optional ingredients let you play with flavors. You can make it your own based on your tastes. To prepare these meatballs, you will need: - Large mixing bowl - Baking sheet with parchment paper - Sauté pan - Measuring cups and spoons - Grater for the carrot and ginger Having the right tools makes cooking easier. A good mixing bowl helps you combine the ingredients well. A sauté pan is perfect for caramelizing the pineapple. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, carrot, garlic, ginger, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. In a big bowl, mix these items together. Use your hands to combine them well. Make sure the ingredients are evenly mixed. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about one inch wide. This size helps them cook evenly. Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. Place your meatballs on the baking sheet. Leave some space between each meatball. Bake them for about 15 to 20 minutes. You want them to be cooked through and brown on the outside. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) when they are done. While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce. Heat sesame oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the pineapple chunks and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to caramelize a bit. This step brings out their sweetness. Then, pour in the teriyaki sauce. Stir it well and let it simmer for a few minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly. Once the meatballs are ready, add them to the pan. Stir gently to coat them in the sauce and pineapple. Cook on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors. Enjoy your delicious meal! To make great meatballs, use ground chicken or turkey. These meats keep the dish light and juicy. Mix your ingredients well, but don’t overdo it. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Use your hands to shape the meatballs, making them about 1 inch in size. This size cooks evenly and stays tender. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Check for a nice brown color on the outside. To boost the teriyaki sauce, use fresh ginger and garlic. These ingredients add depth. If you like spice, add a dash of red pepper flakes. A splash of rice vinegar gives a tangy kick. Want more sweetness? Add a little honey or brown sugar. If you have some pineapple juice, toss that in too. Simmer the sauce until it thickens. This makes it stick nicely to the meatballs. For a fun serving idea, use steamed rice or quinoa as a base. Place the meatballs on top and drizzle with sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds and extra green onions for color. For a cute twist, serve in takeout boxes. This adds a fun touch to your meal. Make it special by adding some fresh pineapple chunks on the side. Enjoy the bright colors and flavors! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ground chicken or turkey will enhance the flavor of the meatballs significantly. Opt for fresh pineapple if available for a more vibrant taste. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter teriyaki sauce, consider adding a dash of honey or brown sugar while simmering the sauce. This will balance the savory elements beautifully. Perfectly Sized Meatballs: Aim for uniform-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) to ensure even cooking. This will help them brown nicely and cook through at the same rate. Experiment with Garnishes: Enhance the dish visually and flavorfully by garnishing with crushed peanuts or cilantro along with sesame seeds and green onions for added texture and freshness. {{image_2}} You can switch up the main meat in these meatballs. Ground turkey works well. It keeps the dish light and tasty. You can also use beef for a richer flavor. If you want a vegetarian option, try using lentils or chickpeas. Just mash them up and mix them in. This makes a great meat-free meal that everyone will enjoy. Serving these meatballs is easy and fun. I love to place them over steamed rice. The rice soaks up all the yummy sauce. Quinoa is another great choice, full of protein and fiber. If you want something different, try noodles. Toss the noodles with some sauce and serve the meatballs on top. Each option adds a nice touch to your meal. You can change the flavor of the meatballs by adding spices. If you like heat, try adding some red pepper flakes. This will give the dish a spicy kick. For a sweeter taste, mix in some brown sugar or honey into the sauce. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking. Experiment with different spices to find your favorite flavor! To keep your leftover meatballs fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze the meatballs, arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place the sheet in the freezer for about an hour. Once they are frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat the meatballs, you have a few options. You can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop. For the microwave, place them on a plate and heat for 1-2 minutes. If using the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes. For the stovetop, heat a pan over medium heat and add a splash of teriyaki sauce. Cook until warmed through, stirring gently. This keeps them juicy and flavorful. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meat mixture and form the meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet and cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake them as directed. This saves you time on busy days. If you don’t have teriyaki sauce, you can use soy sauce mixed with honey or brown sugar. This mix gives a sweet and salty flavor. You can also try a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a different taste. Homemade teriyaki sauce is easy too. Just combine soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger. To check if the meatballs are done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut one open. The meat should be no longer pink, and the juices should run clear. This ensures they are safe to eat. In this article, we explored how to make Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs. We covered main ingredients, optional additions, and essential equipment. The step-by-step guide gave clear ways to prepare, bake, and sauce the meatballs. I shared cooking tips, storage methods, and how to personalize your dish. These meatballs are fun to make and delicious to eat. Try different meat options and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy your cooking journey with these simple yet tasty recipes!

Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs

Delicious meatballs made with ground chicken and coated in a sweet teriyaki pineapple 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 pound ground chicken (or turkey)
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 small carrot, grated
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 egg beaten
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
  • 0.5 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
  • Extra green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, grated carrot, minced garlic, minced ginger, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • With your hands, form the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and arrange them on the baking sheet.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
  • While the meatballs are baking, heat sesame oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the pineapple chunks and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are caramelized slightly.
  • Pour the teriyaki sauce over the pineapple in the sauté pan and stir to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly.
  • Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully add them to the sauté pan with the teriyaki pineapple sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce and pineapple.
  • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve over steamed rice or quinoa, and garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions.
Keyword chicken, meatballs, pineapple, teriyaki