Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs

$- 1 pound ground beef (or ground chicken) - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 1/4 cup grated carrot - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed pineapple juice - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1/4 cup ketchup - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced - Sesame seeds (for garnish) - Extra green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish) If you want a lighter dish, use ground chicken instead of beef. You can swap breadcrumbs for crushed oats or gluten-free crumbs to meet dietary needs. If you want less sugar, use a sugar substitute in the teriyaki sauce. For a fruity twist, consider adding crushed mango or peach to the meatball mix. Each serving of Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs has about 250 calories. This includes protein, carbs, and healthy fats. The meatballs provide protein from the ground beef or chicken. Pineapple adds vitamins and fiber. The teriyaki sauce brings flavor but can add sugar. Adjust portions based on your dietary goals. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of ground beef. You can also use ground chicken for a lighter meal. Next, mix in 1 cup of breadcrumbs. Then, add 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions and 1/4 cup of grated carrot. Now, pour in 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed pineapple juice. This juice adds a great flavor. Crack in 1 large egg to bind everything together. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. These two ingredients will give the meatballs a nice kick. Finally, mix well until all the ingredients combine evenly. Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to shape the meatballs. Use your hands to form 1-inch meatballs. Place each meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to space them about an inch apart. This helps them cook evenly. Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the oven is hot, bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes. They should feel firm and look golden brown when done. While the meatballs bake, let’s prepare the teriyaki sauce. Grab a small saucepan and whisk together 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of ketchup. Turn the heat to medium. Stir the mixture occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken slightly. Once it’s ready, set it aside until the meatballs are done. This sauce will give the meatballs a delicious glaze. To create tasty meatballs, mix your ingredients well. Use fresh ground beef or ground chicken for lighter meatballs. Adding pineapple juice gives a sweet and tangy taste. Don’t forget the minced garlic and ginger; they add depth to the flavor. Green onions and grated carrots provide a nice crunch. Always ensure the meatball mixture is moist but not too wet. This balance helps them hold their shape while cooking. You can bake or fry these meatballs. Baking is healthier and easier. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. If you choose to fry, heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry each meatball for about 4-5 minutes, turning them for even cooking. Frying gives a crispy outside, while baking keeps them juicy. Serve these meatballs with fresh diced pineapple on a colorful plate. This adds a fun twist to your dish. For extra flair, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. You can also add thinly sliced green onions for color. Lime wedges can brighten the flavors. Pair these meatballs with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the burst of flavors! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh pineapple juice and diced pineapple for a brighter, more vibrant flavor that enhances the teriyaki sauce. Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar in the teriyaki sauce to make it sweeter or less sweet. Experiment with Proteins: Try substituting ground beef with ground turkey or tofu for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version of these meatballs. Garnish Creatively: Enhance the presentation by adding thinly sliced radishes or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro along with sesame seeds and green onions. {{image_4}} You can change the meat in Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs. Ground chicken is a great choice for a lighter dish. You can also use ground turkey, which is lean and tasty. If you prefer red meat, feel free to stick with ground beef. Each protein gives a unique taste and texture to the meatballs. If you want a meat-free option, try using lentils or beans. Cooked lentils can mimic the texture of meat. You can also use mashed chickpeas for a nice flavor. For a vegan option, replace the egg with a flax egg. Just mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. This substitution works well in binding the mixture. You can make these meatballs even more exciting with extra flavors. Add crushed red pepper for some heat. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten the dish. If you want a smokier taste, mix in some smoked paprika. You can also experiment with different sauces. Try adding hoisin sauce for a sweet twist. Each addition can give your meatballs a new and fun flavor profile. After enjoying your teriyaki pineapple meatballs, store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the meatballs cool to room temperature before sealing. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. Place the container in the fridge if you plan to eat them within three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. When you want to reheat your meatballs, use the oven for the best texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes until they are warm. You can also microwave them for a quick option. Heat them in a microwave-safe dish for one to two minutes. Just cover the dish to keep moisture in. To freeze your meatballs, first cool them completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Once firm, transfer the meatballs to a freezer bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can make Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs ahead of time. You can prepare the meatball mixture and shape the meatballs. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps blend the flavors. You can also bake them in advance. After baking, let them cool and then store in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about three days in the fridge. You can serve many sides with Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed rice or jasmine rice - Quinoa for a healthy twist - Stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers - A fresh salad to add crunch - Noodles tossed in soy sauce for a fun pairing These sides enhance the meal and balance the sweet sauce. Adjusting the recipe is easy! Here are some ideas: - For gluten-free diets, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and soy sauce. - If you prefer a lighter meat, swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey. - For vegetarian options, try using lentils or mushrooms as the base. - To make it vegan, replace the egg with flaxseed meal or a vegan egg substitute. These changes help make the dish work for everyone while keeping it tasty. You’ve learned about making Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs, from ingredients to cooking tips. I've shared how to form, bake, and enhance your meatballs. Remember, you can switch ingredients or try different proteins. Adjust the recipe to fit your needs. With these easy steps, you can impress anyone at dinner. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious meatballs!$

Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs

Delicious meatballs glazed with a sweet teriyaki sauce, served with fresh pineapple.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup finely chopped green onions
0.25 cup grated carrot
0.25 cup freshly squeezed pineapple juice
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
0.25 cup soy sauce
0.25 cup packed brown sugar
0.25 cup ketchup
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
none sesame seeds (for garnish)
none extra green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, grated carrot, freshly squeezed pineapple juice, egg, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Ensure all ingredients are well incorporated for even flavor distribution.
Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, placing each one on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Ensure they are spaced about an inch apart for even cooking.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once heated, bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes until they are cooked through, firm to the touch, and golden brown on the outside.
In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and ketchup. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it has thickened slightly.
Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and drizzle the warm teriyaki sauce over them. Gently toss the meatballs to ensure they are evenly coated in the sauce.
On a serving plate or platter, arrange the diced fresh pineapple in a mound. Neatly place the glazed meatballs on top, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra chopped green onions for a vibrant finish.

Notes

For an inviting appearance, serve the meatballs and pineapple on a colorful plate. You can also add a few lime wedges for a pop of color and a hint of acidity to balance the rich flavors.

Keyword meatballs, pineapple, teriyaki